Media: Mysterious drones cause alarm in New York's Bronx borough

Multiple drones were spotted in the Bronx, a borough of New York City, before dawn on December 12, causing alarm among residents of the Big Apple, who inundated 911 with calls, according to police sources.

The unidentified flying objects were seen hovering over Jerome Avenue and Clarke Place West in Mt. Eden at around 5:30 a.m., sources reported, Caliber.Az reports per NYP.

The drones were observed by responding officers but then mysteriously vanished, the sources added.

It remains unclear where the drones were launched from or where they ultimately landed. The sightings come after numerous strange objects have been filmed flying across New Jersey in recent weeks, leaving residents confused and sparking wild theories about their origins.

White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby made the statement amid growing questions and frustrations from residents and lawmakers.

"We currently have no evidence to suggest that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or public safety threat, or have any foreign connection," Kirby told reporters at the daily White House press briefing.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the FBI are investigating these sightings and are working closely with state and local law enforcement to provide resources, using various detection methods to better understand their origin.

"Using highly advanced electronic detection technologies provided by federal authorities, neither we nor state or local law enforcement have been able to corroborate any of the reported visual sightings," Kirby continued. 

"On the contrary, after reviewing available imagery, it appears that many of the reported sightings were actually manned aircraft being operated lawfully. The United States Coast Guard is assisting the state of New Jersey and has confirmed there is no evidence of foreign involvement from coastal vessels. Importantly, there have been no confirmed or reported drone sightings in any restricted airspace."

Kirby also urged lawmakers to "broaden existing counter-drone powers." "We take the threat posed by unmanned aircraft systems very seriously, which is why law enforcement and other agencies continue to support New Jersey and investigate the reports, despite uncovering no malicious activity or intent at this stage," Kirby said on December 12. 

By Aghakazim Guliyev