The United States has shot down a Chinese spy balloon that it suspected flew over its airspace.
Television footage showed a small explosion followed by the balloon plummeting into the water.
U.S. military jets were seen flying nearby and boats were deployed in the water for recovery operations.
Officials are aiming to time the operation so they can recover as much debris as possible before sinking into the ocean.
President Biden has warned the U.S. “to take care of” The spacecraft was spotted again on Saturday — this time over North Carolina.
Flights at several airports were suspended ahead of the action.
The discovery of the balloon has sparked tensions and a diplomatic row between the United States and China.
The US claimed the craft was a suspected spy balloon and said it was a “clear violation” of US sovereignty.
China insists it is used for meteorological and other scientific research, but has been blown off course.
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The object is believed to have flown over the Aleutian Islands, not far from the coast Alaskaand pass Canada before entering the US earlier this week.
The Pentagon says it operates at 60,000 feet and is maneuverable.