SEOUL, South Korea – The Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) reported on Friday that North Korea launched over 50 garbage balloons over South Korea, with the majority of them landing in the Seoul and Gyeonggi Province areas.
The JCS stated that the balloons, which were released from North Korea on the evening of September 14 and into the early morning hours of September 15, carried waste materials such as paper and plastic bottles. According to the JCS, the balloons did not contain any hazardous materials.
This incident marks the 19th time North Korea has released balloons carrying waste over South Korea since the end of May this year. The North’s actions are seen as a protest against South Korean social groups distributing anti-North Korean leaflets.
The JCS reported that over a dozen of the balloons landed in the Seoul and Gyeonggi Province areas. The balloons, which were detected by South Korean military units, did not cross the military demarcation line between the two Koreas.
The balloons are part of a series of North Korean actions aimed at expressing its anger towards South Korea. In addition to the balloons, North Korea has also engaged in other provocative actions, such as conducting military exercises near the border and test-firing short-range missiles.
The release of the balloons is seen as a continuation of North Korea’s campaign to express its frustration with South Korea’s policy of engagement and its efforts to support the unification of the Korean Peninsula.
The South Korean government has called on North Korea to stop its provocations and to return to dialogue. South Korean officials have also emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
The incident comes as tensions remain high on the Korean Peninsula. The two Koreas have been at odds for years over a range of issues, including the North’s nuclear and missile programs, as well as the issue of unification.
The South Korean military has been on high alert in response to the North’s recent provocations. The South Korean government has also been working closely with its allies, including the United States, to address the North Korean threat.
The release of the balloons is a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions between North and South Korea. It is crucial for the international community to continue to engage with both sides and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The South Korean government has called on the international community to support its efforts to promote peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. It is hoped that through dialogue and cooperation, a lasting peace can be achieved between the two Koreas.
In conclusion, the recent incident of North Korea launching over 50 garbage balloons over South Korea is a concerning development that highlights the ongoing tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The international community must remain vigilant and continue to work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
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