On Saturday, Feb. 11, the Canadian government reported that an American jet shot down an unidentified flying object that invaded Canadian airspace.
“I ordered the take down of an unidentified object that violated Canadian airspace,” Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau wrote on Twitter. “[North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD)] shot down the object over the Yukon. Canadian and U.S. aircraft were scrambled, and a U.S. F-22 successfully fired at the object.”
Defense Minister of Canada Anita Anand also shared on Twitter that she discussed this matter with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Both countries, under Trudeau and U.S. President Joe Biden, pledged to defend their sovereignty together.
“I spoke with President Biden this afternoon. Canadian Forces will now recover and analyze the wreckage of the object,” Trudeau tweeted. “Thank you to NORAD for keeping the watch over North America.”
This discovery comes just a day after a separate unidentified object was shot down 10 miles off the coast of Alaska under the orders of Biden. Officials had determined that it threatened civilian air traffic.
Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder reported that the object was “about the size of a small car.” In addition, other U.S. officials said that the object shot down over Canada is believed to be “a small metallic balloon with a tethered payload.” However, it is reportedly smaller than the Chinese spy balloon shot down on Feb. 4. Since then, the U.S. military has been on high alert.
“We’re calling this an object because that’s the best description we have right now,” National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications John Kirby said, as reported by CNN. “We don’t know who owns it. Whether it’s state-owned or corporate-owned or privately-owned, we just don’t know.”
When questioned about this operation, Biden told CNN: “It was a success.”
However, in both Alaska and Canada, the recoveries of the objects are still ongoing.
“Arctic weather conditions, including wind chill, snow, and limited daylight, are a factor in this operation, and personnel will adjust recovery operations to maintain safety,” a statement from the U.S. Northern Command said. “Recovery activities are occurring on sea ice.”
Many questions remain about the identity and origin of the objects. However, it is unknown when or if the Pentagon will release this information.
“The lack of communication from the Biden administration regarding the closing of Montana airspace last night and the recent shoot-downs that took place over Alaska and Canada is unacceptable,” GOP Montana Senator Steve Daines said in a statement.
“The top priority of the administration should be the safety and security of the people of the United States, and keeping the American people informed is a key part of fulfilling that duty. President Biden owes Montanans and the country an immediate and full explanation,” he added.
Frustrations have grown within the past week due to a lack of answers, as these odd events continue to unfold before the public’s eyes.
