North Korea's provocation continues with the launch of approximately 600 trash-filled balloons into South Korea. These balloons, carrying waste like cigarette butts, paper, cloth, and plastic, were discovered throughout Seoul's metropolitan area overnight. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff swiftly responded, monitoring the balloons' origin and deploying aerial reconnaissance to locate and retrieve them.
This incident follows North Korea's earlier launch of balloons laden with garbage and excrement, which were presented as gifts of sincerity. South Korea vehemently condemned the action, labeling it both base and dangerous.
During a meeting with US counterpart Austin Lloyd, South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik emphasized that the balloons breached the armistice agreement. Both officials reiterated their commitment to a coordinated response against North Korean threats and provocations.
Emergency alerts were issued in North Gyeongsang and Gangwon provinces, as well as parts of Seoul, warning residents to avoid contact with the balloons and to report any sightings to authorities.
South Korea's National Security Council standing committee convened to consider resuming the use of loudspeakers to broadcast messages into North Korea, a move that was halted in 2018 following a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
This ongoing situation underscores the heightened tensions between North and South Korea, with each side engaging in provocative actions that further escalate the conflict.
