FAA Orders Monthlong Ban on Drones Flying In Parts of New Jersey After Unusual Sightings

The Federal Aviation Administration issued a monthlong ban on flying drones in parts of New Jersey for security reasons, adding a wrinkle to a mystery that has unnerved the region.

- ALYSSA LUKPAT

After a string of unexplained drone sightings, the FAA said Thursday that unmanned aircraft weren't allowed to fly over critical infrastructure across parts of the state. The FAA said it issued the temporary restrictions, which lift on Jan. 17, at the request of federal security officials.

The FAA referred further questions to the Department of Homeland Security, which said Thursday that "critical infrastructure partners" requested the restrictions over their facilities. The agency said the restriction was meant to discourage drone flights, but it didn't have any evidence the aircraft posed a threat.