Seoul, South Korea – The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) reported on September 5 that North Korea had conducted its third balloon drop in two days, this time deploying over 60 garbage balloons that may drift into the Seoul and Gyeonggi-do regions.
The JCS statement followed the dropping of over 420 balloons on the evening of September 4, with an additional 60-70 being released from 9 a.m. on the same day. Among these, more than 30 landed in Seoul and the northern regions of Gyeonggi-do.
This marks the 14th time North Korea has conducted such balloon drops since the end of May this year. The JCS has issued a warning to the public, urging them to be cautious of objects falling from the balloons. They advise the public to avoid touching the balloons if found and to immediately report to nearby military units or police stations.
The latest incident occurred as the region experiences a mix of overcast skies and a temperature of 17.3 degrees Celsius in Seoul. The weather conditions, with a wind blowing from the northwest at 3.5 meters per second, could contribute to the balloons reaching their intended targets.
The garbage balloons are believed to be part of North Korea’s strategy to distribute propaganda materials across the border into South Korea. These balloons often contain leaflets and other materials aimed at undermining the South Korean government and its policies.
The South Korean government has expressed regret over the continued balloon drops, which it views as a violation of international norms. The South Korean Defense Ministry has been closely monitoring the situation and has been coordinating with the United States and other allies to address the threat.
In response to the balloon drops, the South Korean military has conducted a series of exercises to enhance its readiness and response capabilities. The military has also been working on developing countermeasures to prevent the balloons from reaching their intended targets.
The latest incident has drawn international attention, with neighboring countries and international organizations expressing concern over the ongoing tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The United Nations has called for a peaceful resolution to the situation, urging all parties to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could escalate tensions.
The balloon drops are part of a broader pattern of North Korean provocations that have included missile launches and nuclear tests. Despite international sanctions and diplomatic efforts, North Korea has continued to defy the international community and pursue its nuclear and missile programs.
The South Korean government and its allies remain committed to engaging in dialogue and diplomacy to address the situation on the Korean Peninsula. However, they also emphasize the importance of maintaining a strong defense posture to protect South Korea and its allies from the threat posed by North Korea.
As the situation continues to evolve, the South Korean government and its allies will continue to monitor the situation closely and take necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of the Korean Peninsula.
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