U.S. working to recover suspected Chinese spy balloon

(Reuters) – The United States is working to recover a suspected Chinese spy balloon that was shot down off the coast of South Carolina, according to a statement released by the Pentagon on Sunday.

“Our U.S. Navy component is currently conducting recovery operations, with the U.S. Coast Guard assisting in securing the area and maintaining public safety,” General Glen VanHerck, commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, said.

China says the airship was used for meteorological and other scientific purposes.

(Reporting by Costas Pitas in Los Angeles; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)