SEOUL, Sept 23 (Alliance News): South Korea has issued a stark warning, stating it will take “decisive military action” if anyone is harmed by the wave of trash-filled balloons launched by North Korea.
Since May, Pyongyang has sent over 5,500 balloons carrying garbage across the border, causing flight disruptions, fires, and even impacting government buildings in the South.
North Korea claims these balloon launches are a retaliatory measure against South Korean activists who send propaganda balloons into the North.
Lee Sung-joon of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) emphasized that military actions would be taken if the North’s balloons pose a serious safety threat or result in casualties.
While most of the balloons contain waste paper, concerns have arisen due to new devices attached to some balloons that have sparked fires. “Our military is closely monitoring North Korean activities and tracking the balloon launch points in real time,” Lee stated.
This warning follows a recent incident where a balloon launch briefly disrupted flights at Incheon Airport.
Relations between North and South Korea are currently at one of their lowest points in years, exacerbated by the North’s announcement of deploying 250 ballistic missile launchers near the border.
Additionally, North Korea recently showcased its uranium enrichment facility for the first time, with leader Kim Jong Un advocating for an expansion of its nuclear capabilities.
The country, which has been under extensive UN sanctions for its weapons programs, is believed to be preparing for its seventh nuclear test at any moment.
