Washington: After the detection of a Chinese spy balloon in the US airspace, the Department of Defense sent planes to the Pentagon.
The US Department of Defense said in a statement issued by the Pentagon that a Chinese hot air balloon was found flying over the northwestern region of the US, where strategic missiles are stored in underground bunkers and where 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 steps were taken to protect people on the ground from harm.
After the Chinese balloon was identified, the Pentagon sent warplanes to the area where the balloon was found floating. Officials say the balloon entered US airspace two days ago. From its flight, it was clear that the balloon was sent for research purposes.