Chinese surveillance balloons have been detected over Middle East, US Air Force says

The U.S. Air Force has detected Chinese spy balloons over Central Command’s space of duty within the Middle East, however the plane didn’t seem to pose any hazard to U.S. or allied forces, a U.S. Air Force common mentioned Monday. 

“Even although we now have seen excessive altitude balloons within the area earlier than, they haven’t been a menace, they haven’t been one thing of concern for us,” Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, commander of U.S. Air Forces Central Command, mentioned at a Center for New American Security convention on Monday.  

“I perceive why individuals are asking the query within the present context, but it surely’s not one thing that I lose sleep at night time over in any way.”

The revelation comes after an F-22 shot down a Chinese spy balloon off the coast of South Carolina on Feb. 4. 

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White House officers have mentioned the surveillance plane shot down earlier this month was a part of a “fleet of balloons developed to conduct surveillance operations” by China. 

“When you take a look at the scope of this program — working over no less than 5 continents in areas like Latin America, South America, Southeast Asia, East Asia and Europe — once more, it demonstrates why, for the Department of Defense, that China stays the pacing problem and one thing that we’ll proceed to remain targeted on,” Department of Defense press secretary Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder mentioned final week. 

US forces get well particles from a shot-down Chinese surveillance balloon. (US Fleet Forces)

Three different flying objects have been shot down in latest days over northeastern Alaska, Canada’s Yukon territory, and Lake Huron.

The nature of these objects and their nation of origin are to date undetermined. Recovery efforts are underway.