Three journalists from the Al Jazeera network were arrested for illegally flying a drone in Paris.

The names and nationalities of the journalists have yet to be released. The journalists were said to be documenting a report on the mysterious drone flights seen over Paris in recent days, when they were spotted by French police.  

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Sources said one was operating the aircraft, while the second person was filming and the third was looking on.

Police are currently on high alert as drone flights were seen over the city two nights in a row.

Authorities, however, said there has been no established link so far between the arrest and the mysterious drone flights.

In a tweet, Qatar-based satellite network Al Jazeera confirmed three of its reporters were held by Paris police, but did not give any further details.

Flying unlicensed drones in Paris is illegal.  Anyone who wishes to fly an aircraft lower than 6,000 meters (19,700ft) - such as drones, police helicopters and air ambulances, must get permission from the city government. 

Illegally flying these unmanned aircraft carries a maximum penalty of one-year in prison and an US$85,000 fine.

In October, a 24-year-old Israeli tourist spent a night in Paris jail after being caught flying a drone over the historic Hotel Dieu hospital and police station. The tourist was also ordered to pay a fine of €400.

Several drones have been spotted mysteriously flying across the country, including those sighted over French atomic plants, and recently over the presidential palace and Brittany bay that houses nuclear submarines.

Police probe on mysterious drone flights are ongoing, but government spokesman Stephane Le Foll assured that there is no cause for panic.

"People should not be worried but vigilant, it's an issue which is taken very seriously," Le Foll said.

TagsAl Jazeera, drone, Paris, journalists, illegal drone flight