Greg Myre, NPR's national security correspondent, dives into the recent shootdowns of unidentified flying objects by the U.S. military. He discusses the implications for national security amid escalating tensions with China, particularly following the interception of a Chinese spy balloon. Myre also highlights the government's careful classification of these aerial threats and the challenges of balancing vigilance with practicality. With the stakes high, he emphasizes the importance of communication from leadership regarding these mysterious incidents.
The United States military downed three more unidentified flying objects, though the Biden administration said it had no indication that the objects were intended for surveillance. National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby said that he didn't think "the American people need to worry about aliens, with respect to these craft."
This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, politics reporter Deepa Shivaram, and national security correspondent Greg Myre.
This episode was produced by Elena Moore and Casey Morell. It was edited by Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Research and fact-checking by Devin Speak.
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