Drones Spotted Flying Over France Sparks Terror Alert

Drones flying over France prompted a new terror alert for the nation. At least five drones were spotted flying over French landmarks, including the U.S. Embassy.

The drones were noticed fairly quickly when flying over top tourists spots in France. The unmanned aircraft were spotted in “at least” five different locations in the capital between midnight and 6 a.m. French security agents were not able to catch the drone operators.

Civilian drones are not permitted in France due to a stated security risk involving such unmanned aircraft. It is reportedly believed by many security experts that drones are used by terrorists to garner access to targets prior to an attack. Civilian drones are not permitted near French nuclear facilities due to a no-fly zone which encompasses a 1.6-mile radius around such facilities.

The five drones were reportedly spotted in the Invalides military museum, where Napoleon Bonaparte is buried, and the Place de la Concorde in the French capital. Drones are often appointed with video recording equipment, which could be used by terrorists for surveillance.

“It could be a coordinated action but we don’t know for now,” an unidentified French security source stated, according to a report in the Daily Mail. Drones have also reportedly been spotted flying around military facilities, the presidential palace, and nuclear plants in recent months.

The five drones spotted flying around France happened as terrorist attack threats have reportedly been issued by terror groups. The drones could be seen flying around the city throughout the night, but no one could identify the operators, according to local police. A special police aviation team attempted to determine who was behind the drone flights.

Although there have been other “mysterious” drone flights around Paris, the most recent sighting is reportedly the first time so many drones have been seen flying around potentially vulnerable French targets. The U.S. Embassy in France has also reportedly been threatened with terror attacks in the past from al-Qaida and similar groups.
The five drones flying around France did not pose a threat if the devices had been intentionally been crashed into buildings, according to French police.

What do you think about the drones flying around France? A prank of recon on soft targets by potential terrorists?

[Image via: Nataliya Hora/Shutterstock.com]