In a recent escalation of tensions between North and South Korea, the South Korean military has accused their northern neighbor of launching balloons filled with trash and manure across the border. The operation, deemed "inhumane and vulgar" by South Korea, has already seen over 260 balloons detected since it began on Tuesday night, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Images released by the military show the balloons carrying plastic bags, with one bag even labeled with the word "excrement," as reported by Reuters. A JCS official, speaking to Yonhap News Agency, confirmed that the balloons, which have all fallen to the ground, contained discarded items like bits of shoes, plastic bottles, and manure.

Although no damage or injuries have been reported thus far, the South Korean military has taken precautions by deploying bomb disposal units and other experts to collect the balloons. Residents living in proximity to the border have been warned to avoid touching any objects they come across.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff strongly condemned North Korea's actions, stating that they "clearly violate international law and seriously threaten our people's safety." They issued a stern warning to North Korea, demanding an immediate halt to this "inhumane and vulgar act."

This incident follows North Korea's vice defense minister, Kim Kang Il's criticism of propaganda leaflets being sent northward by North Korean defectors in South Korea. Kim described these leaflets as "despicable psychological warfare" and threatened to respond with "tit-for-tat action" against South Korea. He promised to scatter "mounds of wastepaper and filth" over the border areas and even deep into South Korean territory.

The situation between the two Koreas remains tense, with South Korea demanding an end to North Korea's balloon operation and urging them to cease their hostile actions. As of now, it is unclear how the ongoing tensions will be resolved, and further developments are expected to unfold in the coming days.