WASHINGTON: US shot down a Chinese spy balloon the size of three school buses. The balloon was destroyed by fighter jets in the Atlantic Ocean within US territorial waters. Prior to this, air travel was prohibited over and near the coasts of North and South Carolina. Three nearby airports were also completely closed.

The balloon, which the United States described as a challenge to the sovereignty of the United States, was shot down with the help of a high-tech F-22 Raptor aircraft. The incident happened around midnight Indian time. The balloon hit the ocean six nautical miles off the US coast. Foreign media reported that it will not be difficult to find its remains and the efforts of the Navy have already started since it fell
in a part where the sea is only about 14 meters deep.

Incredible HD footage of the Chinese surveillance balloon being shot down. pic.twitter.com/K1GxdcJuH1

— Graham Allen (@GrahamAllen_1) February 4, 2023

This past Wednesday, Biden had given the order to shoot down the balloon. But the army was waiting for the balloon to fly over the sea. This was to avoid the damage that could be caused if the balloon bursts over a populated area.

It first entered the US border on January 28. Later it moved to the airspace of Canada. Later on January 31, it reached the American border again. The balloon was spotted in Montana, home to important nuclear and related facilities.

The high-flying balloon is expected to be equipped with advanced cameras and imaging technology. They move according to the wind. China claims the balloon is for climate research. It is concluded that the recovery of the remains of the balloon from the sea will bring clarity as to whether it is a spy balloon.