SEOUL, September 5 – In a series of provocative acts, North Korea has launched more than 420 ‘trash balloons’ into South Korean airspace over the past two days, according to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). The latest incident marks the fourteenth such occurrence since late May, raising tensions and prompting officials to warn citizens of potential hazards.
Third Launch in Two Days
On September 5, the JCS reported that North Korea had launched a third batch of ‘trash balloons’ following two previous incidents on the same day and the night before. The balloons, which carry various items, are believed to be carried by the northwesterly winds towards the capital city of Seoul and the surrounding Gyeonggi Province.
The balloons may drift to Seoul and Gyeonggi Province, the JCS said in a statement. We urge the public to be vigilant and report any findings of these balloons to the nearest military unit or police station immediately.
Previous Incidents
The latest launch follows two earlier incidents on the same day. North Korea had initially released over 420 balloons on the evening of September 4, continuing into the early hours of September 5. By mid-morning, an additional 60 balloons were released, with more than 30 landing in Seoul and another 70 in the northern part of Gyeonggi Province.
Potential Hazards
The ‘trash balloons’ are typically filled with propaganda materials, leaflets, and sometimes small gifts or food items. However, the South Korean government warns that these balloons could pose a safety risk if they were to land on populated areas or critical infrastructure.
The public is advised not to touch the items carried by these balloons and to report them immediately, the JCS stated. There is a risk of injury or damage if the balloons were to land in inappropriate locations.
Escalating Tensions
The repeated launches of ‘trash balloons’ by North Korea have heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula. South Korean officials have expressed regret over the incidents, describing them as a provocation and a violation of the inter-Korean agreement on non-aggression.
The continuous launches of these balloons are a clear violation of the inter-Korean agreement, said a South Korean government spokesperson. We call on North Korea to cease these acts immediately.
International Response
The international community has also taken note of the recent provocations. South Korea and the United States held talks on extended deterrence in response to the North Korean actions, discussing the best ways to address the nuclear threat posed by Pyongyang.
History of ‘Trash Balloons’
The use of ‘trash balloons’ by North Korea is not new. The practice has been ongoing for several years, with the aim of distributing propaganda across the border. However, the frequency and scale of the launches have increased since May, raising concerns among South Korean officials and citizens alike.
Conclusion
The latest launches of ‘trash balloons’ by North Korea serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions on the Korean Peninsula. As the South Korean government and its allies work to address these provocations, the public is being urged to remain vigilant and report any findings of these balloons to authorities. The situation remains tense, and the potential for further escalations remains a concern for all parties involved.
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