Arabic version: ترامب يقول إن القوس قد يستضيف طائرات مسيّرة وقناصة

According to ABC News, US President Donald Trump says his proposed 76-metre memorial arch in Washington DC would be converted into a “top grade Military Complex/Triumphal Arch” capable of hosting drones and snipers.

In a social media post on Sunday, Mr Trump said he had accepted what he described as a strong request from the military to alter the planned structure between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. He said it would house and store large numbers of drones, deploy snipers from roof and plaza areas, and hold sniper ammunition.

Groundbreaking for the arch had been scheduled for sometime this month, but the plan faces legal challenges. A group of three veterans and an architectural historian has sued, arguing that Congress must approve the project.

The US Commission of Fine Arts has given the arch early approval. However, the National Capital Area Planning Commission has not issued final approval, despite approving the site and preliminary plans in July. It is expected to revisit the issue in the coming months.

The arch is proposed for a circle near Memorial Bridge and is among several Washington projects Mr Trump is pursuing, including a White House ballroom, changes to the Kennedy Center, refurbishment of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and rebuilding a golf course in East Potomac Park. Mr Trump has also described the ballroom as a military complex and said it is needed for national security purposes.