'We know its a surveillance balloon,' Pentagon says, disputing China's claims that it was a civilian balloon used for meteorological purposes.
Martha Raddatz, Luis Martinez, and Karson YiuU.S. officials say a massive surveillance balloon believed to be from China and seen above Montana is being tracked as it flies over the continental United States.believed to be from China and seen above Montana is being tracked as it flies over the continental United States.
"He asked the military to present options," she told reporters in a gaggle on Air Force One. "It was the strong recommendation by Secretary Austin, Chairman Milley, the commander of Northern Command, not to take kinetic action because of the risk to safety and security of the people on the ground. President Biden took that recommendation from the military seriously.
The "Gang of 8" refers to the group of congressional leaders who are briefed on classified intelligence matters. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., requested a meeting with the group on Thursday. "So, the balloon is maneuverable. Clearly, it's violated U.S. air space, and again we've communicated that fact to the PRC," Ryder said.
Ryder said because of the "size" of the balloon, "any potential debris field would be significant and potential cause civilian injuries or deaths or significant property damage." Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder disputed statements from China that the balloon spotted over the continental U.S. is a meteorological research device.
"It also doesn't strike me as a coincidence that this was in the vicinity of the Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana," Gallagher said, "where we have our Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles."
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