No drones in Washington for July 4 holiday

WASHINGTON - Drones will not be flying over Washington under strict security measures for the US Independence Day holiday weekend, the Federal Aviation Administration said Tuesday.

Following terror strikes in France, Tunisia and Kuwait, authorities issued an alert ahead of the weekend that usually draws thousands to the US federal capital for fireworks and picnics.

"We are working around the clock as we always do to work with our law enforcement partners to keep America safe through the holidays," an FBI spokesman told AFP.

The FAA in turn reminded Americans that the Washington metropolitan area was a "no drone zone."

"The airspace around Washington, DC is more restricted than in any other part of the country. Rules put in place after the 9/11 attacks establish 'national defence airspace' over the area," it said.

Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson has urged Americans to be vigilant.

"Particularly with the upcoming July 4th holiday, here in the United States the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI continue to communicate with state and local law enforcement about what we know and see," he said last week.

"We are encouraging all law enforcement to be vigilant and prepared. We will also adjust security measures, seen and unseen, as necessary to protect the American people."