FBI warns Iran aspired to attack California with drones in retaliation for war: Alert
The recent warning issued by the FBI to police departments in California about the potential threat of Iran launching drones at the West Coast has raised concerns about the safety and security of the region. According to the alert reviewed by ABC News, Iran was reportedly considering a surprise drone attack using unmanned aerial vehicles from an unidentified vessel off the coast of the United States, specifically targeting unspecified locations in California in retaliation for American attacks.
The timing, method, target, and perpetrators of this alleged attack remain unclear, but the warning coincided with the ongoing conflict between the Trump administration and Iran, with the latter launching drone strikes in the Mideast. The FBI office in LA declined to comment on the matter, while the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comments.
In addition to the Iranian threat, U.S. intelligence officials have also expressed concerns about the increasing use of drones by Mexican drug cartels. There have been reports suggesting that cartel leaders had authorized attacks using drones carrying explosives against U.S. law enforcement and military personnel along the U.S.-Mexico border. While such attacks on U.S. soil would be unprecedented, they highlight the potential dangers posed by drone technology in the wrong hands.
In response to these threats, California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office has assured that the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is actively working with state, local, and federal security officials to protect communities. The LA Sheriff’s Department has also stated that it is maintaining an elevated level of readiness in light of current global events. The department has increased patrols around places of worship, cultural institutions, and other prominent locations throughout the county as a precautionary measure.
ABC News contributor John Cohen, a former head of intelligence for the Department of Homeland Security, has expressed concerns about the possibility of drone warfare originating from both the Pacific and Mexico. He emphasized the importance of the FBI’s warning in helping state and local authorities prepare and respond to potential threats. Cohen highlighted Iran’s presence in Mexico and South America, along with their access to drones, as factors that increase the risk of attacks.
While the FBI’s warning did not provide specific details on how or when vessels carrying attack drones could approach the U.S. mainland, intelligence officials have long been worried about the pre-positioning of equipment on land or sea in anticipation of a conflict with Iran. The need for vigilance and preparedness in the face of evolving security threats is paramount to ensure the safety of the West Coast and its residents.
