The US Air Force tracks Santa’s route on radar Report: Terrorists were probably planning an attack on Cologne Cathedral

Like every year, the American anti-aircraft defense is once again on Santa’s trail. Since Sunday morning (local time), children and adults can follow Sinterklaas’ journey.

The North American Air Defense Command Norad normally watches for enemy aircraft. But in time-tested prank tradition, every year Norad simulates Santa’s flight path with colorful computer animations and sets his sights on Santa’s flying sleigh.

It started as planned from the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Santa’s current position can be seen on the website www.noradsanta.org, which is even available in German. There you can follow a simulated red sleigh as it travels around the world. Air Defense also keeps people updated on Santa’s itinerary on social media.

Air defense Operation Santa Claus began accidentally in 1955. According to Norad, a child tried to reach Santa by phone and dialed the number in an accompanying advertisement. The child then ended up at the extension of Norad’s predecessor organization Conad in the American state of Colorado. At least according to legend, the commander on duty pretended to be Santa Claus. The story probably didn’t happen exactly like that, but it was the beginning of the annual Sinterklaas campaign. (saw/sda/dpa)