In a recent escalation of tensions, North Korea has launched a series of balloons carrying trash towards South Korea, according to the latter's military. This move is seen as retaliation for activists flying anti-North Korean leaflets across the border. The South Korean Ministry of National Defense has not yet provided details regarding the number of balloons or the exact number that landed in South Korea.

Anonymous military sources cited by South Korea's Yonhap News Agency have reported that approximately 90 balloons have been found, scattered with paper, plastic trash, and cigarette butts. These objects were discovered in various areas, including the capital, Seoul, and the nearby Gyeonggi province.

In response, South Korea's military has advised citizens to be cautious of falling objects and refrain from touching any suspicious items suspected to be from North Korea. Instead, they are urged to report such findings to the military or local police offices. Fortunately, no injuries or damages have been reported thus far.

Seoul's city government sent out text alerts to residents, notifying them of the presence of unidentified objects suspected to have been flown from North Korea in the skies near the city. The military has confirmed that they are actively responding to the situation.

These balloon launches by North Korea are just the latest in a series of provocative actions. The recent events include the failed spy satellite launch and a barrage of short-range missile launches, which the North claims were intended to demonstrate their ability to preemptively attack South Korea.

Earlier this week, South Korea's military mobilized chemical rapid response and explosive clearance teams to recover debris from around 260 North Korean balloons detected in various parts of the country. The balloons were found to be carrying trash and manure, but no dangerous substances such as chemical, biological, or radioactive materials. Some of the balloons were even equipped with timers, suggesting the intention to release the trash in mid-air.

Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, confirmed via a statement that the North was indeed responsible for sending the balloons. She stated that this action was in response to leafleting campaigns organized by South Korean activists. Kim Yo Jong hinted that balloon launches could become a standard response employed by North Korea in the future, promising to scatter even more rubbish than what was received.

Despite the provocative nature of these balloons, South Korea's military has decided against shooting them down to avoid causing any further damage or potential retaliation from the North. The Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesperson, Lee Sung Joon, stated during a briefing that their priority lies in safely recovering the balloons.

North Korea remains highly sensitive to any attempts by outsiders to undermine Kim Jong Un's complete control over its population of 26 million, most of whom have limited access to foreign news.

This recent balloon launch comes after North Korea's hostility towards leafleting campaigns reached a boiling point last year when they demolished an empty South Korean-built liaison office on their territory. Furthermore, in 2014, North Korea fired shots at propaganda balloons heading towards their territory, to which South Korea retaliated. Thankfully, there were no casualties reported.

It is important to note that in 2022, North Korea made a dubious claim suggesting that balloons flown from South Korea had caused a COVID-19 outbreak within the isolated nation. This claim, however, is widely seen as an attempt to blame South Korea for the deteriorating inter-Korean relations.

The situation continues to develop as both countries navigate these tense times, with South Korea emphasizing the need for caution and dialogue while North Korea's provocative actions persist.