South Korea’s military has reported that North Korea is once again sending balloons, likely filled with trash, toward the South, adding to a series of psychological tactics amid escalating tensions between the two countries. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff noted that prevailing winds might carry these balloons to areas north of Seoul, prompting alerts from Seoul City Hall and the Gyeonggi provincial government. Citizens have been advised to be cautious of falling objects and to report any balloon sightings to the military or police.
No injuries or property damage have been reported so far.
In recent weeks, North Korea has dispatched over 2,000 balloons carrying waste paper, cloth scraps, and cigarette butts as a retaliatory measure against South Korean activists who have been sending anti-Pyongyang propaganda across the border.
This follows an incident on July 24, when one of North Korea’s balloons, containing no hazardous material, landed at the South Korean presidential compound. In response to the balloon campaign, South Korea has resumed broadcasting propaganda messages and K-pop songs via loudspeakers near the border.
The ongoing exchange of provocations is exacerbating tensions, particularly with upcoming joint military drills between South Korea and the United States, and as North Korea grapples with severe flooding and has refused international aid, including from Russia and China.
Peoplesmind
