Skip to main content

US Shoots Down Suspected Chinese Spy Balloon Off Carolina Coast

US Shoots Down Suspected Chinese Spy Balloon Off Carolina Coast
New Delhi:

The United States today shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon off the country's east coast, the Pentagon said. Earlier this week, US had claimed that the balloon was spying on sensitive military sites across North America.

"Today's deliberate and lawful action demonstrates that President (Joe) Biden and his national security team will always put the safety and security of the American people first while responding effectively to the PRC's unacceptable violation of our sovereignty," Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said in a statement.

Footage on local media showed a small explosion, which was followed by the balloon descending toward the water. The operation was planned in a manner that all the debris falls into the ocean. Ships had been deployed to recover as much of the debris as possible.

Hours before the balloon was shot down, US President Joe Biden had vowed to "take care" of the balloon.

Asked by reporters to comment on relations with China and the balloon incident, Biden told reporters, "We're gonna take care of it."

The balloon was initially detected entering US airspace on January 28. The white orb lingered over Montana, the site of intercontinental-ballistic-missile silos, and made its way across the country to North Carolina on Saturday.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry had on Friday confirmed that the balloon belonged to China, but said that it was a civilian airship conducting climate research and accidentally blew off course.

American officials did not shoot it down earlier over concerns of hurting people or property on the ground.

Adblock test (Why?)



from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/MNY3smp https://ift.tt/CYWFRJT
via IFTTT

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Salaries Of 12700 Punjab Teachers Tripled After Regularisation

Punjab government has tripled the salaries of 12,700 teachers, who were regularised recently. Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said the salaries of 12,700 teachers, who were regularised recently, have been increased by up to three times. In a statement here, Mr Mann said these teachers will be known as associate teachers and special inclusive teachers, adding that they will be governed by a 'Policy for Welfare of Adhoc, Contractual, Temporary Teachers (Nation Builders) and other employees in the School Education Department'. Based on their educational qualifications and primary conditions for entry into services, their emoluments have been fixed up to the completion of 58 years in service. Mr Mann said these teachers will be entitled to an increment of 5 per cent on their salaries every year. The chief minister said BA pass education providers (associate teachers) who were hitherto getting Rs 9,500 per month will now get Rs 20,500 as an emolum...

"Mandir" Tag To Health Centers Sparks Backlash In Ladakh

The new signages of Ayushman Health Centres raised eyebrows in Ladakh. Srinagar: The renaming of Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness centers as Ayushman Arogya Mandir has sparked backlash in Ladakh. After red flag by Ladakh Buddhist Association, the BJP ruled Ladakh Autonomous Council has asked the Lieutenant Governor to "respect public sentiment". "I am taking the liberty to express my concerns, as well as of the public, regarding the recent renaming of the Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness centers to Ayushman Arogya Mandir," Tashi Gyalson, Chairman cum Chief Executive Councilor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, wrote to Lieutenant Governor, Brig (Retired) B.D. Mishra. "It has come to my attention that this change has generated significant resentment among the public, necessitating prompt attention and resolution," wrote Mr Gyalson. Referring to Health ministry directive, Mr Gyalson, who is also a senior BJP leader, said it was stip...

Mob Attacks Hindu Procession In Maharashtra's Thane, Case Filed: Cops

The incident took place on Sunday night on Lodha Road, police said. (Representational) Thane: A mob of 50-60 persons was booked by Mira Bhayander Vasai Virar police in Thane district for allegedly assaulting a man who was part of a procession on the eve of the idol consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, an official said. The incident took place on Sunday night on Lodha Road and as per the complainant the mob armed with iron rods, sticks, bats shouted religious slogans and assaulted him when he was part of a procession comprising three vehicles and 10 two-wheelers, the official said. They vandalised the car with stones and sticks, the man said in his complaint to Naya Nagar police station. "A case of attempt to murder and other offences has been registered against a mob of 50-60 persons. Further probe is underway," the official added. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) Adblock test (Wh...