Officials have informed CNN that both congressional leaders and President Biden have been briefed about the movements of a Chinese spy balloon floating over the US.
The President requested military options for dealing with it but took the advice of General Mark Milley, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to not shoot it down due to the potential danger it could pose to those on the ground.
The senior defense official stated that the balloon did not pose a military threat, and the administration took immediate steps to protect sensitive information.
Despite reports of a "ground stop" at Billings Airport in Montana and the mobilization of assets, including F-22s, the decision was made not to shoot down the balloon based on the assessment that it did not pose a significant threat.
The official also noted that if the risk level changes, the US will have options to handle the balloon. The US has made it clear to Chinese officials that the issue is taken seriously and that the US will take necessary measures to protect its people and homeland
Comments
Post a Comment