France to investigate multiple drone sightings in Paris

Drones sighted this week close to sensitive sites in the capital such as the presidential palace and the US embassy.

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Drones have been sighted before in France, the last sighting was in November 2014 [Getty Images]

French authorities have launched an investigation into sightings of drones this week close to sensitive sites in Paris such as the presidential palace and the US embassy, the government has said.

Local media reported five sightings of drones overnight on Tuesday and on Wednesday. There have been no claims of responsibility.

The French capital remains on high security after last month’s deadly attacks by gunmen at a satirical magazine and a Jewish food store.

However, government spokesman Stephane Le Foll ruled out a security risk and said drones were not solely a French phenomenon. “There is nothing to worry about,” he told a regular news briefing.

“Drones have been spotted and investigations launched. We are mobilised on a matter which is and should be taken seriously.”

The five sightings follow a similar mystery last November involving overflights by drones over five nuclear power sites in the country.

Last month, an employee of a US spy agency said he had been operating a small drone that crashed on the grounds of the White House.

Source: Reuters