SEOUL: Seoul’s military reported that North Korea sent approximately 600 balloons filled with trash over the border. Security personnel are collecting the debris as it lands.
Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed North Korea’s resumption of launching waste balloons toward South Korea since Saturday evening. The statement was issued around 8 pm (1100 GMT).
As of 10 am Sunday, about 600 balloons were identified, moving at a rate of 20 to 50 per hour.
Balloons land in South Korea’s northern provinces, including Seoul and Gyeonggi, where nearly half the population resides.
North Korea began sending hundreds of balloons carrying bags of trash earlier this week, which Seoul has slammed as “low-class”, warning of strong countermeasures unless Pyongyang stops such “irrational” provocations.
Since the campaign started Tuesday, some 900 balloons have been launched, the JCS said.
“Our military is conducting surveillance and reconnaissance from the launch points of the balloons, tracking them through aerial reconnaissance, and collecting the fallen debris, prioritising public safety,” it said.
“We urge the public to avoid contact with the fallen waste balloons and report them to the nearest military unit or police station,” it added.
The South Korean government has called on North Korea to cease its provocative actions and engage in constructive dialogue instead.
Moreover, it underscores the need for international cooperation to address the persistent challenges posed by North Korea’s belligerent actions.
read more
image source
