> hostage rescue team set up an elevated observation post
> the head of the agency’s operational technology law unit told attendees of the AUVSI Xponential conference here.
We don't know when this incident occurred nor do we know if this was a surveillance op or part of an actual raid. The article is possibly FUD, but this isn't outside of the realm of possibility.
In my neck of the woods, drones have been known to drop contraband in prime locations at our state maximum-security prison[0]. Surveillance, and counter-surveillance is not a huge leap to make from there. Being able to disrupt a top-tier police unit for a few grand is money well spent.
[0] - https://www.postandcourier.com/news/in-south-carolina-the-fi...
Moderately sophisticated people can do all sorts of things to undermine police activity, especially raids. Think about things like detecting WiFi, tactical radios or Bluetooth devices.
The police operate in a dark world, and the counterparties that they interact with are fundamentally bad actors.