Fearing loss of life on the ground, the Chinese balloon was not dropped, American officials: Photo: Internet
Washington: The Defense Department sent planes to the Pentagon on the detection of a Chinese spy balloon in the airspace of the United States.
The US Department of Defense said in a statement released by the Pentagon that a Chinese hot air balloon was found flying in the northwestern region of the United States where strategic missiles are kept in underground bunkers and sensitive air bases are located.
According to US defense officials, US President Joe Biden and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and other military officials discussed shooting down the balloon, but no action was taken to protect people on the ground from harm.
After the Chinese balloon was identified, the Pentagon sent fighter jets to the area where the balloon was found flying. Officials say the balloon entered US airspace two days ago. From its flight, it is clear that the balloon was sent for reconnaissance purposes.
