NORAD: Object that triggered fighter jet scramble likely a hobby balloon

U.S. military officials said Saturday an object intercepted by NORAD fighter jets above the United States was likely a hobbyist balloon. File Photo by North American Aerospace Defense Command Feb. 24 (UPI) — A high-flying object that triggered a fighter jet scramble was likely just a hobby balloon and has since exited U.S. airspace, North American Aerospace Defense Command officials announced Saturday. NORAD said in a statement issued to media outlets the small balloon that U.S. fighter aircraft intercepted over Utah on Friday was probably of civilian origin and not a threat to national security. Advertisement The balloon was flying…