The U.S. military is tracking a high-altitude balloon once again. NBC News Channel revealed Monday night, citing U.S. officials. The object recently flew over part of Hawaii territory, but not “sensitive areas” or “critical infrastructure,” according to these sources.
The balloon was spotted on April 28 while hovering about 11,000 meters above the Pacific Ocean, a US Department of Defense spokesman later confirmed. Cited by Politico.
It’s probably not a Chinese ball
According to him, while the authorities could not determine precisely who the flying object belonged to, it was not controlled by “a foreign or adverse actor” – referring to China – and no apparent connection had been detected. “Based on these observations, the Secretary of Defense has approved the recommendation of his military commanders that no action be taken against the balloon,” the spokesman said.
Various officials have indicated in the media that it could be a simple weather balloon, but if it isn’t, it could be shot down by the Air Force if it poses any danger to the Americans. Currently moving slowly towards Mexico.
read more: Weather, space exploration, scientific experiments: What are high altitude balloons used for?
The question of hostile overflights by surveillance balloons made headlines when a Chinese balloon over the United States was destroyed off the coast of South Carolina last February. The incident further strained relations between the Biden administration and Beijing. Washington has accused it of spying in its region, which China vehemently denies
read more: Joe Biden rekindles dialogue thread with Beijing, defusing threat of Chinese balloons
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