Sukhoi-30MKI fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force on Tuesday shot down a balloon-like suspicious object The unidentifiable flying object was detected by IAF radar in Barmer district, Rajasthan.

“Between 10:30 and 11:00 hours today, an unidentified balloon shaped object was picked up by IAF radar. An IAF fighter was launched which intercepted the object and brought it down. Further investigation is underway,” an IAF spokesperson said.

The incident happened in Barmer, nearly 500km from Rajasthan capital Jaipur, where some villagers have reported an incident of certain metal pieces falling down from the sky.  IAF officials said the force was on high alert due to Republic Day and the object was flying in from the western sector.

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