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The US Navy and Coast Guard are searching for the wreckage of a shot down Chinese spy balloon. Photo/New York Times
WASHINGTON – A Chinese spy balloon moving across United States of America (US) this week has been shot down.
The Pentagon confirmed the balloon was used for reconnaissance and denied China’s claim that it was a civilian aircraft used for meteorological purposes.
Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder said the balloon posed no physical or military threat, and that once detected, the US took steps to protect the collection of sensitive foreign intelligence information.
Read: Chinese Balloon Predicted to Leave US East Coast on Saturday
It is suspected US fighter jets were seen circling the balloon before firing missiles at it, causing the remnants of the balloon to fall back to earth.
Now the search for the debris of the eye balloon is underway. A senior military official said several US Navy and Coast Guard ships were now in the area, establishing a security line and searching for debris in the water to ensure the safety of US civilians.
“A Navy rescue ship will be on site within days,” the official said.
Meanwhile, authorities in the Myrtle Beach area are asking residents not to touch debris if it washes up on the beach and to call the police if they see it.
Read: Pentagon: There is a Chinese spy balloon flying over Latin America
“Debris must not be touched, moved or disposed of,” the Horry District Police Department said on social media.
