North Korea has launched hundreds of trash-carrying balloons toward South Korea in retaliation for activists flying anti-North Korean leaflets across the border. The balloons carried various types of trash, but no dangerous substances, according to South Korea’s military. The North’s recent provocative actions also include a failed spy satellite launch and a barrage of short-range missile launches.
In response, South Korea’s military dispatched teams to recover the debris from the balloons found in various parts of the country. Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, confirmed that the North sent the balloons to make good on their threat to scatter waste in South Korea. She hinted that balloons could become the North’s standard response to leafleting campaigns in the future.
South Korea’s Unification Ministry has warned North Korea to stop their provocations or face consequences. However, the South Korean military has no plans to shoot down the balloons due to concerns about potential damage and the risk of triggering a retaliation from the North.
North Korea is sensitive to any outside attempts to undermine Kim Jong Un’s control over the country. In the past, North Korea has responded aggressively to South Korean civilian leafleting campaigns. In 2022, North Korea even suggested that balloons flown from South Korea had caused a COVID-19 outbreak in the isolated nation.
Overall, the situation between North and South Korea remains tense, with both sides engaging in provocative actions. The South Korean military is monitoring the situation closely and urging caution among the public. It is important for both countries to find peaceful diplomatic solutions to avoid escalating tensions further.
For the latest updates on this issue, continue following reliable news sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Source link