HIGH-ALTITUDE BALLOON. US and Canadian defense officials track a high-altitude balloon drifting over UTAH on Friday (Feb. 23, 2024). Last year, a Chinese spy balloon was shot down. (Anadolu)
TRENTON, Canada –The US military has intercepted a “small balloon” over Utah on Friday, but officials said it poses no security threat.
The high-altitude balloon was first observed by the US military and later by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), which is responsible for air defense for the US and Canada.
NORAD said the balloon is about 50-feet tall and is carrying a 2-foot cube, much smaller than the Chinese suspected spy balloon that was shot down in early 2023, CNN reported.
The "small balloon" was allowed to continue to fly above the U.S. after being intercepted Friday morning at an altitude of 43,000 to 45,000 feet because it has been determined not to pose a national security threat, NORAD said in a statement.
"The balloon was intercepted by NORAD fighters over Utah, who determined it was not maneuverable and did not present a threat to national security. NORAD will continue to track and monitor the balloon," NORAD added.
"The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) also determined the balloon posed no hazard to flight safety."
CBS News was told by one US official that the balloon would be over the state of Georgia by Friday night.
Where the object came from and what its purpose remained unknown, the official said. (Anadolu)
