Defense Department investigating potential spy balloon found near Alaskan shores

The Defense Department is currently examining a balloon that was found by fishermen off the coast of Alaska last week. A spokesperson informed CNN that they are trying to determine if the balloon was a spy balloon.

The balloon is currently being kept at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska, according to department spokesperson Sue Gough.

"We don't have information on why the balloon was in the waters off the coast of Alaska. We're not making any judgments about it right now. We aim to find out more about where the balloon came from and why it was there after analyzing the material. This analysis will be done by several agencies," Gough stated.

The statement from the Defense Department on Wednesday is the first time they have publicly confirmed that the debris discovered was actually a balloon.

Last week, CNN reported that commercial fishermen off the coast of Alaska found a suspicious object and alerted law enforcement. After reviewing photographs taken by the fishermen, officials grew concerned that it could be a spy balloon. FBI agents met the boat when it returned to port.

Initially, officials were unsure about the object's identity and whether it was a balloon. However, the FBI decided to investigate further as it closely resembled a surveillance balloon owned by a foreign government.

High-altitude surveillance balloons gained attention in the US last year after a Chinese spy balloon strayed off course and flew across the continental US, entering through Alaskan airspace. According to a report by CNN, the US believed the spy balloon was linked to a large surveillance program by the Chinese military.

US officials stated that the balloon fleet had carried out over two dozen missions on at least five continents in recent years.

China seemed to have stopped the program after the incident, and it is uncertain if it has resumed. Taiwan claimed in January that China flew several balloons through its airspace.

In the end, the Biden administration intercepted the balloon that crossed over the US in February.

Editor's P/S:

The discovery of a balloon off the Alaskan coast has sparked concerns about potential espionage activities. The Defense Department's investigation aims to determine the origin and purpose of the balloon, raising questions about the extent of foreign surveillance capabilities. The incident echoes the previous incursion of a Chinese spy balloon into US airspace, highlighting the growing concern over high-altitude surveillance.

While China has reportedly suspended its surveillance balloon program, the recent finding suggests that such activities may continue. The incident underscores the need for enhanced vigilance and coordination among nations to address potential threats posed by aerial surveillance. The Defense Department's analysis will provide valuable insights into the nature of the balloon and its implications for national security.