Chinese "spy balloon" that was spotted on Saturday flying over the United States was shot down, according to the witnesses.
The witnesses also recorded that the balloon started falling after being shot down.
Fox News and CNN reported the operation after three southeastern airports were temporarily shut down earlier in the day amid what the Federal Aviation Administration called a "national security effort."
An operation is underway to recover debris from the balloon in the Atlantic Ocean, the reports added.
The move came after US President Joe Biden said his administration "will take care" of the high-altitude balloon.
The sighting had stirred diplomatic tension, with Washington saying it violated its sovereignty while Beijing regretted the "unintended entry" by a "civilian airship used for research."
Secretary of State Antony Blinken had postponed his planned trip to China following the "irresponsible act."
