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Unidentified Drones Spark Espionage Fears in Kiel

Mysterious drones hover over Kiel's key buildings. Authorities investigate potential espionage as regional cooperation intensifies.

In the center of the picture there is a helicopter flying. In the background there are trees,...
In the center of the picture there is a helicopter flying. In the background there are trees, fencing and buildings. Sky is clear.

Unidentified Drones Spark Espionage Fears in Kiel

Unidentified drones have been spotted hovering over Kiel, raising concerns about potential espionage. The incident, which took place on September 25, 2022, involved a large 'mother drone' and several smaller ones circling over the city, including important buildings like the state parliament. The public prosecutor's office is currently investigating unknown persons in connection with the incident.

Der Spiegel first broke the news of the drone flights. The public prosecutor's office has confirmed the investigation but has not disclosed specific suspects or details. Interior Minister Sabine Sütterlin-Waack acknowledged the incidents, which occurred at night over the state capital at the end of September. The drones could have been used to measure and gather information from the air.

The use of drones is not new in Germany. They have been observed in all federal states, including the north, for years. However, the recent incidents in Kiel have sparked a joint effort among the five northern coastal states to tackle the issue of drone flights together. The Schleswig-Holstein state parliament's Interior and Legal Affairs Committee recently gathered to discuss the matter in their glass-planned plenary hall, which is meant to symbolize openness and transparency in political work.

The drone flights over Kiel have raised serious concerns about potential espionage. While investigations are ongoing, the incident has highlighted the need for coordinated action among the northern coastal states to address the issue of drone flights. The use of drones for surveillance or other malicious purposes is a growing threat that requires careful consideration and effective countermeasures.

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