"Mystery drones from Iranian mothership" Topic

Part of the reason some of these pictures can't be identified is because they lack a time context, a location, a direction being viewed, or all three. If the information was present, it could be checked against civilian and military flight logs, and we'd know if they were indeed ordinary aircraft. With out it, who knows what they are.

Yes, I do have concerns about CCP operatives or terrorists or criminal organizations. But if this is how they think they're gonna gain effective intel, they're being incredibly stupid at going about it. (Good to know we're not the only ones with incompetent leadership.) the only Intel they're really getting is how easy it is to drive Americans into Chicken Little status.

Parz,

We agree: " Good to know we're not the only ones with incompetent leadership."

I know of at least 4 attempts by terrorists to use drones on civilian targets and politicians. One in the US. They failed, but due more to failures and incompetence. This does not include military targets currently in the ME.

Now add the proving grounds of the Ukraine and technical improvements and usage improvements. The fact Russia and China are willing to share that knowledge with our terrorists enemies.

It's not a matter of spy intel. They are doing that already, in our country. The government does very little to stop it. The latest incident being the Chinese National in California.

If it was me, I would check out US defenses against drones. I'd fly around indiscriminately. Test them. If the government is NOT lying to us, we have and do nothing. I actually hope they are lying, otherwise they are inept.

I'm not concerned about military bases, I'm concerned about mass civilian targets, another 911 or worse. There are military studies out there on this, some on the web. Most prior to 2023.

We know we have let terrorists enemies come over our border, so they are here.

I will say again:

Do I believe these are Iranians? Not necessarily, but I'm open to any possibilities and have given some ideas how and why they would earlier in this thread. The Congressman obviously believes his sources.

But you cannot discount the dangers of drone warfare in our homeland. You also cannot discount our non preparedness for combating this new danger. Look at the cluster f#ck of the current situation in NE. Think about the potential damage just a small amount of drones could do, poison reservoirs, knock out key electrical hubs, explode in large crowds, bio weapons, chemical weapons to just name a few. Think also of the amount of terrorists and enemies we have let into our country in the last 4 plus years. It cannot be hard for experienced individuals to disassemble and hide the larger drones until needed. Or for some of these drones to be dropping off the types of payloads I mentioned above.

Again look back to 911. Look no further than a country like Israel who is always on high alert and how easy it was for Hamas to launch their surprise in October.

Our "experts" say we are at least 10 years behind the Chinese and Russians in or use of drones.

We need policies on the use of and defense against drones…. now!

All the above is why I take this so seriously. I really believe others should as well.

Subject: US Navy successfully trials 13-foot giant electric transforming drone


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Another interesting theory

Another Drone Theory: Dirty Bomb Sniffers (Five minute video.)
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Well I'm going to have start looking out my windows. 😉 Getting close to home.
Have to see if it's open season on drones in the state right now. Maybe like coyotes, open all the time. 😉

Drones force airspace blockage for multiple hours at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
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"Think about the potential damage just a small amount of drones could do, poison reservoirs,(…)"

You'd need dozens of tanker-truck size drone loads to even begin to poison a reservoir, as the sheer amount of water would dilute anything you drop into it.

For anti-drone AA, I'd like to build a propane cannon that fires high velocity chunks of ice a couple of miles. Probably doable, but setting up the radar/fire control station would be a most expensive proposition… ;-)

"Have to see if it's open season on drones in the state right now."-35thOVI

Sooner or later someone is going to shoot down a plane.

Zephyr

Yes that is true for large amounts of water. But I will say it does not have to be biological or chemical. Just the chance of contamination will cause water cut off and the supply methods can be brought down as well. I remember somewhere in "Pakistan?" Or elsewhere, where terrorists placed bio into a water tanker and killed around 700 people. Sorry I don't remember the specifics. So I would think something is possible. But again I was just placing in some possible examples.

I agree as well, we need weapons systems and defenses against drones in the US. That has been a big part of the point I'm trying to make.

That and the ridiculous lack of openness by our government.

I include a couple of terrorists water studies. There are others on the web. Enjoy.

PDF link

PDF link

Dragon,

Possible, yes.

The longer the government is evasive and not forthcoming about actual information, the more fear is going to be generated in the public. Sooner or later, "something" will be brought down. People fear what they don't understand and see flying over their homes and potentially posing an unknown danger to their families.

From Men in Black

"A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky, dangerous animals…" – Agent K

I'd say even a person can be panicky and dangerous as well.

We already had a drone come down in a persons back yard. Let's hope one of those SUV size ones, does not come down on a home, highway or group of people.

The drone in the backyard was a TOY MODEL HELICOPTER. It was *NOT* a "drone." *facepalm*

I will agree that the current admin is being (typically) evasive, when the truth would have put this thing to bed a week ago.

If they *know* that there isn't "foreign involvement" then they know what they are and why they're there.
Which leaves us with:
1.) Misinterpreted normal mundane aircraft traffic reported by clueless casual observers.
2.) Misinterpreted normal military aircraft traffic, etc..
3.) Atmospheric effects reflecting ordinary lighting (see Fata Morgana: link and related cases of atmospheric reflection of ground-based lights. Gets reported a lot as "UFOs in formation"— when it's really just the reflected lights of a parking lot.)
4.) Classified military experiments/maneuvers/training which they actually rather stupidly (but typically) won't speak about, thinking that somehow means they aren't exposing military secrets to the world. Well, that answer is just as carppy as it sounds.
5.) Pranksters snickering at themselves as they troll the general population of New Jersey, the Internet, grandstanding politicians, idiot broadcast journalists (idiocy seems to be a job requirement), and law enforcement and/or the military.
6.) All of the above.

Of these, 4 is the *least* likely element— having bright lights on a classified experimental craft in a heavily populated area is as bad an idea as having them on an actual surveillance drone.

I'm not ruling out terrorist… but really, it doesn't seem like an act of terrorism, even a dry run. Terrorists are all about the "big event"— bombs, hijackings, mass shootings, taking hostages, and other acts involving mass casualties and barbarism. "Subtlety" is not their thing. Nor is exposing it beforehand, which this clearly would be. They want nobody to notice until BANG! And then they brag loudly about having done it. This ain't that.

Cant discount anything.

I hope this is a wake up call to the next administration. Drones can be a danger and will be used by out enemies, probably on our home soil. 911 seems to be a distant memory to many now. 😞

Always Prepare for the unexpected.

"The drone in the backyard was a TOY MODEL HELICOPTER. It was *NOT* a "drone." *facepalm*"

There were 2 I know of. One was false, the other not disproven to my knowledge.

"Of these, 4 is the *least* likely element— having bright lights on a classified experimental craft in a heavily populated area is as bad an idea as having them on an actual surveillance drone."

I will only say: take into consideration the other things this administration has done and also lied to the public about.

More interesting information about the Wright Patterson incursions.

"The drones "ranged in sizes and configurations," Purtiman said. "Our units are working with local authorities to ensure the safety of base personnel, facilities, and assets.""
….

"Most of the New Jersey drone sightings were misidentified, so it is notable that the ones spotted over Wright Patterson, as with the other U.S. military installations, were seen by trained observers that are equipped with high-end gear to maintain security and to discriminate between friend and foe."

Subject: Drone Incursions Closed Wright Patterson Air Force Base's Airspace Friday Night


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Wright-Pat USAF Base in Ohio also was surveilled by some drones too.

Well I think if common sense and logic are incorporated. These Drones, that are not manned aircraft, which surprises me today many can't tell the difference between a drone and an aircraft ?! It seems these are most likely not an enemy nation, e.g. like the PRC/CCP with "It's Ballooon!" attack.

If agencies of the US gov't don't know who is flying them, or where they are coming from is really either another Gov't cover up. Or our ADA and radar, detection systems are not working very well. I know of an app on a smart phone where you can point your phone up at a flying object and it will tell you want it is, etc. Even an app for planets and stars.

However, all aircraft are supposed to have a transponder for ID purposes. But it can be turned off. Also, the Nav lights on some aircraft can be turned off. However, low flying drones like many are here the motor(s) can be clearly heard. So even "going black" won't completely cover the drone.

The weapons and detection systems that the military and some other gov't agencies, e.g. the WH. Are not yet available to many other states and local LEOs, etc.

However, as has been said before, you can't shoot them down with bullets, etc. As the bullets have to go somewhere as if the drone is shot down it as to fall to the ground too. So over or near any urban areas these falling objects could cause damage to the structures, people, vehicles, livestock, etc.

Tech is supposedly able to jam or hack the signal. And high-tech weapons IIRC like microwaves and lasers could also damage the drone. But will that crippled drone fall on something on the ground ? And I'm sure there are other high-tech systems out there or being worked on that we don't know about.

So bottom line – and I understand about OPSEC …

Either our gov't is lying to us … again … which seems to be far too often, almost daily, etc.

Or they really have no way or reasons to stop these drones that have been flying around for about a month.

Again in either case, a failure of our Gov't …

The failure is in handling the PR and the anxiety the citings have provoked. Many sightings have been discounted as duplication, planes, etc. many are observed to be using FDA compliant lights for systems.
DOD clearly does not want to discuss these activities in public. If they are exercises, I get it, but they are also not able to hide them, so they need to say something.

If the next guy were officially in power, would so many here be reverting with every post to government lying and failure? We will be finding out, I guess.
"Shoot em down!" Sounds tough and decisive. Unless they are ours.

"If the next guy were officially in power, would so many here be reverting with every post to government lying and failure? We will be finding out, I guess."

Well it's a new administration, so I will give them the benefit of the doubt.

Are you watching his press conference right now? Refreshing change for the current occupant.

He made his speech and has been taking questions for over 30 minutes. No list of reporters to call on. He didn't take 2 or 4 easy questions and then you see the back of his head. Also, he doesn't look lost on stage. He also knew the name of most reporters.

He was asked about the drones. He said the government knows, but for some reason they have chosen not to tell the public. He believes they should. Asked if he has been consulted, he said he cannot comment. He just believes since they are still in charge, they should tell the public, to reassure people.

In a classic case of bureaucratic buck passing, Mayorkas wants the "several states" to have the authority to declare war in the Martians.
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I guess he's just assuming that since T**** is going to ignore the Constitution anyway, let's just go ahead and ignore the part about Congress having the sole power to declare war.

As far as I know, the Martians 👽 haven't shown themselves over Northeast Pennsylvania, yet 🤷, but I do have Tobyhanna about 35 miles away, a General Dynamics (formerly Medico about 3 miles away, and the former Chamberlain artillery shell plant about 7 (I'm surrounded!) miles away, I really should pay more attention.
But my son was in an artillery National Guard unit, and we played with his toy drone last summer, so I guess I'm safe.

"The government knows what is happening. Look, our military knows where they took off from. If it's a garage they can go right inside. They know where it came from and where it went," Trump said.

"For some reason, they don't want to comment, and I think they'd be better off saying what it is. Our military knows. Our president knows, and for some reason they want to keep people in suspense," he continued. "I can't imagine it's the enemy, because if it was the enemy they'd blast it."

A reporter then asked Trump whether he had received any classified briefings regarding the drone situation. He responded that "I don't want to comment on that."

Trump's statement comes roughly a day after Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., called on the Department of Homeland Security to deploy 360-degree radar systems capable of detecting drones to the New York and New Jersey regions.

"Our local people who have questions about these drones should not have to shake an eight ball to get an answer," Schumer said, holding up a magic eight ball toy in one hand and an image of a drone in another."

….

"New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement on Sunday, "In response to my calls for additional resources, our federal partners are deploying a state-of-the-art drone detection system to New York State." "

Seems like politicians on both side of the fences are upset.

One has to ask:
What looks worse, not knowing or claiming to not know the source of the drones and looking like incompetents or knowing the source, but not informing the public and causing uncertainty and doubt in the government?

I might suggest informing us what is going on and address any issues if necessary.

Tell us that they are ours. Even if you have to lie about it.
The speculation is getting out of hand. Quiet us unworthy plebs. Our need to know is less important than Da Gubmint's need to obfuscate.

Subject: New Jersey Pilot 'Lost Power' After Approaching Mystery Drone – Newsweek

This is interesting. His drones fail in these areas, but the other drones don't. Does make it seem more and more governmental experimentations. Working on bypassing foreign jammers?

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Iranian Motherships indeed.

PAR you are welcome to believe what they say.

The military has confirmed drones over their bases there and elsewhere. Prominent individuals have confirmed drones as well. If they were commercial, I believe companies would say so.

The question really is: are they ours or others. My personal belief is they are a combo of military and civilian (whose civilians, well who knows).

But they lied to us about the Chinese Spy balloon and many things. So for me, their credibility is highly questionable.

But obviously you still trust them and that's your choice.

Yes, we are all welcome to believe whatever we want. We can accept whatever "facts" we want to believe. Some choose "Iranian motherships", others look at photos and see wings and tails and navigation lights and see an airplane. Maybe you think some DC pizza place is also a trafficking hub for the social elite. I guess it all depends on how much conspiracy theory you want to tickle your fancy (or fantasy).

I've lived in various parts of NJ to include near the FAA Tech Center. Alot of testing occurs in that area. There are many aircraft in that geographic region both commercial and military. I see drones on a near daily basis. I think people, driven by hysteria and a need to be part of something are looking up and when they look up they see lights. Lights from planets, planes and even drones (maybe even experimental cargo drones). Do I think there is some mass cover-up? Likely no. Do I think there is an Iranian mother ship like congressman Van Drew and his credible sources? No.

I do think there are sightings from a multitude of likely benign sources and no one authority knows what all of them are.

No matter what this "drone invasion" turns out to be. Like so many other things we see with our current gov't's leadership(?) … It appears lies or incompetence or both …

I'm sure there's incompetence (at various levels of governance) involved but some of it is also because there is likely no single authority that will be aware of every single drone or entity that is in the sky at any one moment… many government programs aren't aware of other programs that may overlap.

Are there foreign countries conducting information gathering and other nefarious activities here? Absolutely. I think what we've seen with this drone hysteria is a polyglot of things, most of which aren't nefarious actors or Iranian Motherships.

They come from a garage. They can go right inside! No worries.

Again:

The question really is: are they ours or others. My personal belief is they are a combo of military and civilian (whose civilians, well who knows).

A good article on many things related to this.

Subject: Satellite Images: Iran's Drone Carriers Far From US Amid Drone Mystery – Business Insider


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Facts:

1) Iran does have drone carrier(s)
2) If Iran does, other countries do as well.
3) we have had Unknown drone incursions at US bases here and overseas.
4) we have had spy drones flown over our bases by foreign agents. (California was just the latest where we actually caught one)
5) our enemies have used drones to kill our troops.
6) Terrorists here and elsewhere, have attempted to use drones to attack infrastructure and politicians.
7) we currently have no domestic drone policy nor domestic civilian defenses against drones.
8) The government is NOT forthcoming on information about this. They are quick to say what they are NOT, but then simply say they don't know.
9) Like the boy who cried wolf, our government had used up a lot credibility in the last 4 years.
10) There are credible politicians, police and military who have seen these and verify there are drones of multiple size and in some cases formations. Even "hysteria ridden" some civilians. 😉

That's just 10.

PAR: Just curious since you say you are from around the area, in your opinion are people in New Jersey more prone to hysteria than average civilian? I would say no, but your opinion?

Tort.., 🙄

That is not what he said. He was making the comment that our military is good enough they could trace a drone right back to someone's garage.

🤔 but I'm sure some people keep drones in garages.

I wouldn't say the populace is any more or less prone to hysteria than others. The north is very densely populated and the more rural south is still more populated than alot of areas of the US.
The area also has significant air traffic. If you ever drive by the FAA Tech Center, you will see some interesting aircraft as well as the F-16s of the 177th Fighter Wing (ironically named after another local legend…the Jersey Devils).

It only takes a little bit of stimulus and fear-mongering for people to start looking for things and seeing things. The only place I've ever looked for a plesiosaur is Loch Ness because others have claimed they've seen it there. If I've heard of mysterious drones in NJ and I'm in NJ, chances are I'm going to look up and chances are I will see some lights or objects in the sky.

"I've ever looked for a plesiosaur is Loch Ness"

Oh man, they are common in Lake Erie. They are as common as carp. Taste like Gator! Don't believe the line: "it tastes like Chicken". 😉

I think this entire episode can generate constructive self-assessments and realization regarding the proliferation of drone usage (both by governments, industry, terrorists and civilians).

Asking questions and seeking answers can be constructive, however conspiracies, fear-mongering and politicizing isn't particularly helpful.

Without the Congressman's statement, there never would have been discussion, questions or reporting. Even in TMP.

Politicians, the Media and people in general are now more aware. So wrong or right, his accusations served a purpose.

Hopefully it will lead to much needed actions.

And how many resources will be allocated to chasing down these mystery drones? What were those resources doing prior to chasing down blinking lights in the sky? Words uttered have consequences. People can say reckless things without repercussions and with the amplification of social media, those words are accepted as fact. Then actions are taken based off of those "facts".

No matter what happens the US gov't and many of its agencies has some "esplain'n to do". Or they will just continue to ignore it, lie, etc. Like a strict parent who tells a child there is nothing to worry about in the dark. Until there is … Bad enough they treat the US population like village idiots. "Kept in the dark, fed only 🐮💩" … like mushrooms 🍄 …

"People can say reckless things without repercussions and with the amplification of social media, those words are accepted as fact. Then actions are taken based off of those "facts"."

That is not new with this story. This country has wasted resources on lies and half truths forever. The list of stupid things we waste money and resources on is legion, many from the lips of politicians for political purposes.

The whole story is not false. There are drones of all sizes flying, some into restricted air space and some, as in California, for nefarious purposes. Terrorists are using drones for evil purposes and that usage is only going to grow. The government is not informing the public and this one promised to be the most open in history. 😉 The drone story is not new to November.. it is just the first time it got enough notoriety to force the government to at least acknowledge it.

The Iranian mothership may be false (although they do exist).

I find one of the most interesting stories in this thread to me is the one where the man was flying his private drone following an unidentified drone. When they entered a restricted area, his lost power, but the other kept flying. Made me wonder if the government is working on new drones to counter current methods to disable them. Would explain much. Also some of the new military drone information.

Honestly if one follows what is happening in the Ukraine, drone carriers and what terrorist, both foreign and domestic, are doing with drones, one should be concerned.

Saw this story start to creep out over a week ago. But more stories are breaking today. Especially since it was Newark.

This could be the grid search

Subject: Event Notification Report For December 13, 2024 | NRC.gov


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Subject: NJ residents speculate drones linked to missing radioactive material | FOX 5 New York


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PAR FYI, if you are looking for a quick example of our resources and taxes wasted, well what about the border wall we paid for and had contractors hired and Biden on day 1 issued executive orders, stopping it. Now he is auctioning off the materials for almost nothing.

I don't know about you, but that highly upsets me.

The New York Post— hardly a pro-admin source, or shill for them— put together a panel of experts to review the "drone" footage and state what the objects are.

Answer: Out of focus planet/star, commercial airplanes, distant light sources which could be planes or just stars, and ordinary hobby drones:

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And they say about surveillance drones exactly what I said— real spy drones would not have lights.

Like the boy who cried wolf, our government had used up a lot credibility in the last 4 years.

ONLY the last 4 years? 🙄
My, how conveniently selective.
How about the 4 years previous?
Or the 8 years previous to that?
How about the whole reason for invading Iraq and Afghanistan? And staying there?
Show me an administration that does not have credibility issues, and I'll tell you what your politics are. "Oh, my guys are straight arrows! Those bastards, they're the liars!"

…real spy drones would not have lights.

"Diabolical! Let's give our spy drones lights to fool them!"

John read more closely:

"9) Like the boy who cried wolf, our government had used up a lot credibility in the last 4 years."

I said they HAD used up a lot of credibility in the last 4 years. Not they were the only one who has. 🙄

So the 3 of you, should the subject of drones be dropped?
The government should disregard them?
Are you all saying there have been no valid drones over US military bases?
That military personnel, police, governors, senators and congressmen of ALL Parties, are wrong about what they are seeing?

No one is saying all these are true, but if only 25 percent are accurate and the government admits they don't know what they are, just ignore them?

If you are upset because this reflects badly on the current administration, I'd say: Get over it. The potential danger to our homeland of drone attacks and spying by those who hate us, is too real of a possibility.

Go out and read the studies, read on new drone tech and usage in the Ukraine and Middle East.

If you are upset because this reflects badly on the current administration, I'd say: Get over it.

I challenge you to search my "writings" for any sympathy for the current administration. Ditto the previous administrations.
The best things I've ever written about the predecessor's predecessor is that at least he had fine concerts at the Kennedy (Lincoln?) Center.
I defy anyone to suggest a scintilla of credibility in any administration going back to Washington.

John again, I said "IF" not "You are"

"If you are upset"

John according to your profile, you are from West Ireland, so not your country, why care? 😉

I agree with this Representative about the military bases.

Subject: Rep. McCaul: ‘Spy drones' from China are likely cause of unexplained aircraft wreaking havoc over US – YouTube


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Above all, this is a great way for politicians to focus attention on themselves. If this were a security issue, instead of looking for blame and demanding we expose our own assets, they would avoid feeding the media beast, if they cared at all about intel and security. Instead they want investigations of their political opponents, and call this "government".

John +1 …. History bears out your observation.
35th +1 …for reminding us that drones are a serious issue.

If I misquoted Trump, I apologize. I find his thought patterns hard to follow. I am still hoping he will do some good. As for taxpayers and the wall, again we were firmly and repeatedly promised we would not be paying for this. Complete failure. No deal ever emerged and everything that followed was partisan @#$&. Immigration and reality need to meet up somehow. Let's hope for secure borders and better policies from Congress. Said with a straight face.

My profile is a joke. Me Da's folks come from Galway.

Above all, this is a great way for politicians to focus attention on themselves. If this were a security issue, instead of looking for blame and demanding we expose our own assets, they would avoid feeding the media beast, if they cared at all about intel and security. Instead they want investigations of their political opponents, and call this "government".

+1
The most dangerous place to stand in Washington is between a Congressperson and a TV camera.
"Hey! Let's let the Chinese know that we are on to them! At least *I* am! But they are fooling the Present Administration!" That's what the Honorable Blowhard is really saying. (Note that I used the American spelling of "Honorable".)
Nobody has heard of him before, so here's his chance to show off his $600 USD suit and $50 USD haircut.

Chinese drones, eh? Operating off the East Coast? In New Jersey? That's some impressive logistics!

I'll bet a beer that this blows over in a week with a perfectly mundane explanation. Such explanation will of course not be believed by the Usual Suspects.

And now, idiots are taking matters into their own hands.
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That's exactly what I'm worried about. This is nothing but a case of mass hysteria, fueled by social media, irresponsible reporting/commentary, and grandstanding politicians, and made worse by an administration with a functioning dementia patient at the top. It's a mess. No one who should be in charge is in charge, no relevant branch of the federal government is communicating with other relevant branches of the same, or with local or state authorities. Meanwhile, people who are otherwise rational are turning into raging tin-foil hat wearers because a bunch of clueless, wannabe "social media influencers" are posting out-of-focus, shaky hand-held phone camera images of lights in the night sky and saying "I don't know what this is; therefore it must be BAD!"

Here's a hint: If it has lights and you can see it, it's perfectly ordinary. If it doesn't have lights, and you can't see it, then it's probably not there.

It's already over a week. Actually closing in on a month. Probably won't be answered until after the 21st of January.

🤔

But!!! It's getting close to Christmas. Maybe it angels 👼 preparing for the second coming! 😉

But Let's look at the old check list:

"Some signs that some believe will precede the Second Coming of Jesus Christ include:"

Natural disasters: Earthquakes, famines, pestilences, hailstorms, and other calamities 🤔 Check

War: Wars and rumors of wars, with nations rising against nations and kingdoms against kingdoms 🤔 check

Moral decay: Increasing levels of evil and wickedness in the world 🤔 Check

False prophets: People who claim to speak on behalf of God but have their own agendas 🤔 Check

Persecution of believers: Believers will be persecuted 🤔 Check

False Christs: False Christs will appear 🤔 well there are those who accuse Trump of almost everything… We will give this a partial check

The gospel preached to all the world: The gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world in people's own languages 🤔 Check

😳 Well based on that list, I guess we better get right with the lord.

Again, this "drone invasion" IMO is another goat rope brought on by the current admin's leadership capabilities … Just another log on the fire. I lost respect for ADM Kirby Ret. a long time ago. Again, I understand OPSEC, but …