A mysterious drone was spotted near one of the United States’ most important military bases on Monday, prompting officials to issue a terror alert.
Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, home to America’s most potent war machine — the B-52 bomber capable of delivering nuclear strikes around the world — was approached by a mysterious remote-controlled drone Monday morning.
The unmanned aerial vehicle was spotted and officials raised the Force Protection Condition (FPCON) level to “Charlie”, meaning a possible threat had been detected.
The incident comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East after the US and Israel launched joint military strikes on Iran, killing over 1,000 people, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran has used Shahed “kamikaze” drones and missiles to target US military bases in the region.
The incident remains under investigation and the drone’s whereabouts are still unclear. Officials have not disclosed whether the UAV was captured.
Speaking to Daily Mail, a Barksdale AFB spokesman said it was a crime under state and federal law to fly an unauthorized drone over a military installation.
He warned that such actions could result in “significant fines and imprisonment.”
The B-52 bomber is one of the most advanced US military aircraft, capable of reaching 8,800 miles without the need for refueling.
These jets can carry up to 70,000 pounds of warheads (both conventional and nuclear) to strike enemy targets.
