US military ends search for downed planes New protests in several Iranian cities

After several days, the United States stopped searching for two unidentified flying objects that were also downed after a suspected Chinese spy balloon was shot down. According to the military, no debris could be found during the search in the north of America. The American Northern Command (Northcom) announced this Friday evening (local time) via Twitter. The two objects had been launched over Alaska and the vast Lake Huron. The debris may now never be discovered.

A systematic search over several days using aerial photos and sensors turned up nothing, the army said. In Alaska, arctic weather also made work more difficult. Canadian authorities also participated in the operations. The U.S. military initially gave no information about a third object shot down over Canada.

According to US intelligence agencies, the three objects most likely belonged to private companies or scientific institutions and were used for research purposes. US President Joe Biden said on Friday that the missiles likely have nothing to do with the allegations against China. Meanwhile, there was also wild speculation about alien flying objects. However, the White House has officially denied that any evidence points to aliens.

First, a balloon was discovered in North American airspace that US authorities say was used by China for espionage purposes. The balloon was shot down over the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of South Carolina on Feb. 4. The army said the salvage of the debris was completed on Friday. The remains are now being investigated by the FBI’s counterintelligence service. Beijing speaks of a civilian research balloon that has gone off course.

(yam/sda/dpa)