USA: No need to worry about aliens

At the daily press briefing, Kirby answered questions from reporters about the detection and downing of unidentified objects in recent days, following the Chinese “spy balloon” detected in US airspace on February 4.

“CHINA HAS THIS PROGRAM”

Kirby said they found out that China has a high-altitude balloon program affiliated with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army to collect intelligence. Noting that he could not elaborate on the grounds that he was “sensitive” to information about foreign intelligence gathering activities, Kirby noted that this China program was also in place during the Donald Trump administration, but that they were able to detect that, not the Trump administration.

“We know that Chinese surveillance balloons have passed through dozens of countries on many continents around the world, including some of our closest allies and partners.” Kirby said these surveillance balloons provide “limited additional capabilities” to other intelligence platforms China uses in the US.

Kirby also claimed that President Joe Biden was first informed in June 2021 about surveillance activities carried out by China using high-altitude balloons.

“NOT TO FEAR FOREIGNERS”

Kirby said he thought unidentified objects detected in recent days in US airspace did not pose a direct threat to people on the ground, following the Chinese “spy balloon” impact on February 1. Saying that they detected that the objects in question were not sending any communication signals, Kirby pointed out that he believed so too because they had no maneuverability and their altitudes were low.

Kirby, on the other hand, reported that while there was no particular reason to suspect that these objects were snooping, Biden ordered shooting at these objects, on the advice of the Department of Defense, because they could not ignore this option. Kirby also announced that Biden has today commissioned a team to work on the detection, analysis, and destruction of unidentified aerial objects that pose a security risk.

Kirby said the American public thinks these newly detected and unidentified objects shouldn’t worry that they are “alien.” White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre also stressed that there was no indication of “aliens or extraterrestrials” in the context of these objects.

“NO US SURVEILLANCE VEHICLES IN CHINA AIRSPACE”

On the other hand, Kirby said that his communication with China was not interrupted after the balloon incident and that routine diplomatic talks with China continue through its embassy in Beijing. Kirby said they also discussed the issue in private meetings regarding the balloon, stressing that contrary to the claims of Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Vinbin, there is no US surveillance balloon in Chinese airspace.

Asked by a reporter if there are any US aircraft in areas like Taiwan and the South China Sea, Kirby replied: “There is no US surveillance vehicle in Chinese airspace.” he gave the answer.

REPEATED CALL FOR SUPPORT TO TURKEY AND SYRIA

At the meeting, White House spokesman Jean-Pierre reiterated President Joe Biden’s statement that the United States stands ready to provide all kinds of assistance to those affected by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

Jean-Pierre drew attention to the plea for help for those affected by the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes last night at the Super Bowl, the championship fight for the American Football League (NFL), one of the largest sports organizations viewed by millions. in the US a donation call for earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria and directed people to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) website for information on related institutions and organizations.

Noting that the US search and rescue teams are continuing their work in Turkey, Jean-Pierre said that the teams are also conducting damage assessment studies on buildings, thus contributing to the return of many people to their homes. “Today, our teams inspected more than 5,500 buildings and ensured that thousands of people who are currently displaced (due to the earthquake) can return to their homes.” he said.

UN CALL FOR ADDITIONAL WAYS TO HELP SYRIA

Jean-Pierre stated that cross-border shipments of aid to Syria have increased and that a total of 52 United Nations (UN) trucks carrying relief materials have crossed into Syria. The spokesman also stressed that it is important that the UN Security Council allow two additional transit routes for humanitarian aid shipments to Syria as soon as possible.

Jean-Pierre also stressed that US or international sanctions imposed on the Syrian regime include exemptions for medical, food and humanitarian aid.

INCREASED TENSION IN ISRAEL AND MOLDOVA

Coordinator Kirby noted that they are deeply concerned about the growing tension between Israel and Palestine under the leadership of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Regarding the turmoil in Moldova, Kirby drew attention to “Russia’s ability to confuse this country” and said he supports the Moldovan government and people. (AA)