Canadian National Defense Forces are monitoring the Chinese spy balloon detected over Montana and a “potential second incident.”
He United States Government is monitoring a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon that has been hovering over northern states for the past few days.
THE US GOVERNMENT IS WATCHING A SUSPICIOUS CHINESE SPY BALLOON OVER THE NORTHERN STATES
A balloon flies in the sky over Billings, Montana, on February 1, 2023, in this image obtained from social media.
(Chase Doak/via Reuters)
The Canadian government has also publicly asserted its country’s surveillance of the issue.
“A high-altitude surveillance balloon has been detected and NORAD is actively tracking its movements,” read a statement from Canada’s Department of National Defense. “Canadians are safe and Canada is taking steps to ensure the safety of its airspace, including monitoring a potential second incident.”
CHINA LAUNCHES INVESTIGATION INTO SUSPICIOUS SPY BALLOON FLYING OVER US, SAYS MINISTRY
A senior defense official said the US government is “sure” the surveillance balloon belongs to the People’s Republic of China.
The defense official said the balloon was recently over Montana and officials were considering shooting it down with military assets but decided against it due to the associated risks, adding that President Biden was briefed on the situation and asked for military options.
US AND PHILIPPINES ANNOUNCE NEW AGREEMENT TO INCREASE MILITARY PRESENCE AMID CHINA-TAIWAN TENSIONS
“NORAD, the Canadian Armed Forces, the Department of National Defense and other partners have been assessing the situation and working in close coordination,” the Canadian announcement continued.
A high-altitude balloon floats over Billings, Mont., on Wednesday, February 1, 2023.
(Larry Mayer/The Billings Gazette via AP)
Canada remains in contact with the US defense and intelligence services on the handling of the Chinese balloon.
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The statement concluded: “Canada’s intelligence agencies are working with US partners and continue to take all necessary steps to safeguard Canada’s confidential information from foreign intelligence threats.”
Fox News’ Adam Sabes, Liz Friden and Jennifer Griffin contributed to this report.
