Unidentified drones spotted over Fort McNair base linked to Rubio and Hegseth trigger security review

WASHINGTON, DC: Reports indicate that mystery drones have been seen flying over Fort McNair in Washington, DC.

This US Army base is located near the residences of high-ranking officials such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Drone sightings raise security concerns

The sightings, recorded over several days, have prompted a high-level security review. Officials have not publicly linked the activity to any specific threat, but they have said the situation is under investigation.

The military is monitoring potential threats more closely due to the heightened alert level as the United States and Israel strike Iran, the report said, citing a senior administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive security matters.

Officials have not determined their origin, two of the three people briefed on the situation reportedly said.

Multiple drones were spotted over Fort McNair on a single night in the past 10 days, the official said, adding that this prompted increased security measures and a meeting at the White House to discuss how to respond.

The drone sightings come at a time when US military bases are on heightened alert due to general security concerns. Several bases, including Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey and MacDill Air Force Base in Florida, have raised their security levels to "Charlie."

Ongoing investigations into drone activity

Authorities said federal agencies are working to identify the source of the drones and assess whether they were operating in violation of restricted airspace rules.

Fort McNair, located in Washington, DC, falls within tightly controlled airspace where unauthorized drone activity is prohibited.

The drone sightings in Washington come as the missile and drone exchange sparked by the February 28 US-Israeli strikes on Iran and the Iranians' pledge to avenge the deaths of top officials killed in the offensive.

The drones over Fort McNair prompted officials to consider relocating Rubio and Hegseth, the report cited two people briefed on the matter.

A senior administration official said the secretaries have not moved. Their quarters on the base were publicly reported by multiple outlets in October.

The developments come as the US military remains on high alert amid fears of possible Iranian retaliation, with a global security alert issued for American diplomatic missions.

Police and military officials continue to monitor the situation and have not reported any damage or injuries linked to the sightings. As the investigation continues and more information becomes available, further updates are expected.