Drones spotted over military bases in the U.K. that are used by the U.S.

The British military has increased security around four air bases in the country that are used by U.S. forces after "a number" of drones were spotted near them.

LONDON — The British military has increased security around four air bases in the country that are used by U.S. forces after "a number" of drones were spotted near them, the U.S. Air Force said Wednesday.

American officials were working with the British authorities to “ensure the safety of base personnel, facilities, and assets,” the U.S. Air Force in Europe said in a statement.

The U.K.'s Civil Aviation Authority has also imposed restrictions around the bases' airspace, a U.K defense minister told Parliament.

"The bottom line is it’s something that we’re going to take seriously," Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters at a regular press briefing on Tuesday. "We’re continuing to look into it, but as of right now has not had any significant mission impact."

RAF Lakenheath is home of the U.S. Air Force's 48th Fighter Wing.David Goddard / Getty Images fileThe drones, or small unmanned aerial systems, have been spotted "in the vicinity of and over the bases" since Nov. 20, a spokesperson said in a statement send via email from RAF Mildenhall, one of the four U.S bases.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/drones-seen-near-us-bases-uk-air-force-rcna181971

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