In the latest USA news, President Joe Biden and the Pentagon have revealed that the Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and top military officials considered shooting down a China Spy Balloon at the President’s request. However, they ultimately decided against it due to the potential danger to people on the ground. This news was revealed by the Pentagon on Thursday.
China Spy Balloon:-
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and top military officials considered shooting down a Chinese spy balloon at the request of President Joe Biden, the Pentagon said Thursday. The balloon had been spotted hovering over the western United States and was deemed a potential security threat.
The Pentagon was concerned that the balloon could be used to collect sensitive data or even launch an attack. As such, the military was looking into options to mitigate the threat.
The Pentagon consulted with the U.S. intelligence community and other government agencies before making the final decision not to shoot the balloon down. The primary reason for this decision was due to the fact that shooting the balloon would put too many people on the ground in danger.
The Pentagon also stated that the risk posed by the balloon did not warrant taking action of this nature. Instead, the U.S. has chosen other measures to respond to the situation, including diplomatic and economic pressure on Beijing.
The Pentagon noted that the intelligence community will continue to monitor the situation closely and take appropriate action as needed.
The Pentagon reiterated its commitment to protecting the American people from threats both foreign and domestic. The Department of Defense is committed to responding decisively when necessary, but only after careful consideration and evaluation.
The Pentagon is dedicated to utilizing all resources available in order to protect the nation and its citizens. The Department also emphasized its commitment to building strong relationships with foreign partners and allies around the world.
The Pentagon reaffirmed its stance that any hostile actions taken by foreign governments against the United States will not go unanswered. Finally, the Department concluded its statement by reiterating its commitment to standing up for the American people against foreign threats.
The Pentagon pledged to remain vigilant and proactive in the face of future threats and the possibility of further balloon sightings. The Department called upon its personnel to remain vigilant and informed about their surroundings, reporting suspicious activity immediately.
The Pentagon also stressed the importance of collaboration between the different branches of the armed forces and intelligence communities in order to ensure the safety of the nation.
The Department asked the public to continue to trust the professionals working diligently to maintain the safety of the United States.
The Pentagon thanked the public for their support and patience while they worked to assess the situation and make the best possible decision. In addition, the Department encouraged Americans to reach out if they have any questions or concerns regarding their safety or security.
The Pentagon expressed gratitude to the individuals who reported the sighting of the balloon, noting that the information provided was invaluable in making the right decision.
The Department highlighted the importance of keeping communication open between the various arms of the government, noting the need for collaboration in such cases.
The Department acknowledged the important role the press plays in keeping the public informed and reassured them that it will continue to provide updates whenever possible.
Furthermore, the Pentagon confirmed that it does not condone nor approve of espionage activities from any foreign power targeting the United States or its interests.
Finally, the Department reaffirmed its belief that the strength of our nation lies in the diversity of its citizens and declared it stands ready to defend our freedoms, no matter the cost.
What could have been the consequences?
The Pentagon warned that shooting down the balloon could have had serious consequences. According to a statement, the balloon posed a “significant risk” to those on the ground below, as it was filled with combustible material. This could have resulted in an explosion and debris raining down on people, structures and property on the ground below.
Furthermore, shooting the balloon down would have violated international law as it could be seen as an act of aggression against a foreign nation. Therefore, the Pentagon deemed it necessary to consider other less dangerous options before taking any action.
To this end, the Pentagon suggested deploying military aircraft near the balloon and sending signals to try and disrupt the operation.
Additionally, the Pentagon proposed putting diplomatic pressure on the Chinese government to gain information about the mission and convince them to take the balloon out of the air.
Finally, the Pentagon also considered monitoring the spy balloon from afar to determine what information it may have gathered during its flight path.
Ultimately, the decision was made not to shoot the balloon down due to the potential for the significant collateral damage that may result from such action.
The Pentagon has since released a full report detailing the incident and the various methods that were taken into consideration. The report included the rationale behind the decisions taken by the military, emphasizing the importance of respecting the sovereignty of other nations when making decisions about the use of force.
The Pentagon believes this incident serves as an important reminder of the need to maintain global peace and stability. As such, the Department will continue to evaluate all possible courses of action and make decisions based on the best available information.
The Pentagon remains committed to upholding the rule of international law while protecting national interests.