Drones Over Fort Lesley McNair Prompt White House Briefing

Multiple unidentified drones were detected flying over Fort Lesley McNair, a key military installation in Washington, DC.

“While there may be involvement by other state actors, such as China or Russia, no evidence has emerged to support such claims, and officials have primarily focused on Tehran-linked threats”

Al Bawaba

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reside at this base, according to multiple reports.

Al Bawaba

The drone sightings occurred on at least one night within the past 10 days, with several drones observed simultaneously.

The base houses senior government officials and the National Defense University.

Located about two miles from the White House and Capitol Hill, it lacks significant security buffer zones.

More Trump administration officials have reportedly moved to military housing in the area for security reasons.

The incident represents a serious security breach at one of the most sensitive military installations in the United States.

The drone sightings prompted immediate security measures and triggered a high-level meeting at the White House.

Senior administration officials discussed potential countermeasures during these meetings.

Anadolu Ajansı

Fort McNair was placed under heightened security protocols following the drone detection.

The base was also placed under a shelter-in-place order for several hours on Wednesday.

The military has been operating at a higher alert level since US-Israeli strikes on Iran began in February.

Commanders adjust security postures based on local threat assessments.

Air Force officials explained such measures are taken "to ensure the safety and security of our people and the mission."

The drone incidents led to serious discussions about relocating Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

“The Pentagon and the US State Department did not respond to requests for comment”

Asharq Al-Awsat

Officials weighed moving both cabinet members as a precautionary measure.

This consideration came after details about their residences at the base were publicly reported last October.

A senior administration official confirmed that neither Rubio nor Hegseth has actually been relocated.

Both officials continue to remain at Fort McNair despite the security concerns.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell called media reporting on official movements "grossly irresponsible."

The Pentagon stated it cannot comment on secretary movements for security reasons.