close
Lawmakers will get a classified briefing tomorrow as the Pentagon reveals what they’ve learned so far reports Congressional Correspondent Aishah Hasnie on ‘Special Report.’
The U.S. Air Force has detected Chinese spy balloons over Central Command’s area of responsibility in the Middle East, but the aircraft did not appear to pose any danger to U.S. or allied forces, a U.S. Air Force general said Monday.
“Even though we have seen high altitude balloons in the region before, they have not been a threat, they have not been something of concern for us,” Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, commander of U.S. Air Forces Central Command, said at a Center for New American Security conference on Monday.
“I understand why people are asking the question in the current context, but it’s not something that I lose sleep at night over whatsoever.”
The revelation comes after an F-22 shot down a Chinese spy balloon off the coast of South Carolina on Feb. 4.
SCHUMER SAYS CHINESE ‘HUMILIATED’ BY SPY FLIGHT INCIDENT: ‘IT’S A REAL SETBACK FOR THEM’
White House officials have said the surveillance aircraft shot down earlier this month was part of a “fleet of balloons developed to conduct surveillance operations” by China.
“When you look at the scope of this program — operating over at least five continents in regions like Latin America, South America, Southeast Asia, East Asia and Europe — again, it demonstrates why, for the Department of Defense, that China remains the pacing challenge and something that we’ll continue to stay focused on,” Department of Defense press secretary Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder said last week.
US forces recover debris from a shot-down Chinese surveillance balloon. (US Fleet Forces)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Three other flying objects have been shot down in recent days over northeastern Alaska, Canada’s Yukon territory, and Lake Huron.
The nature of those objects and their country of origin are so far undetermined. Recovery efforts are underway.
Paul Best is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. Story tips and ideas can be sent to Paul.Best@fox.com and on Twitter: @KincaidBest.
President-elect Donald Trump unleashed a slew of nominations on Sunday night, naming several new people…
President-elect Trump on Sunday named Callista Gingrich, wife to former Speaker of the House Newt…
China has warned the U.S. that it is making "dangerous moves" by providing Taiwan with…
close Video Tyrus 'could not be prouder' of NYC mayor after meeting with incoming 'border…
close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for December 22 Fox News Flash top headlines…
close Video Tyrus 'could not be prouder' of NYC mayor after meeting with incoming 'border…