According to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, North Korea has flown thousands of balloons since May, each carrying wastepaper, cloth scraps, cigarette butts, and other materials. “The joint chiefs advised South Koreans to report to the police or military if they see any fallen balloons,” they said.
Civilians have also been urged to avoid touching any of the landing bags. So far, no dangerous substances have been found, and no major damage has been reported.
Balloons Tied in Pairs
On Thursday morning, several sets of white balloons, tied in pairs, were observed floating above the inter-Korean border, according to an Associated Press photojournalist stationed in the South Korean border city of Paju.
In response to the balloons, Seoul’s city government issued text alerts to citizens, advising them to remain indoors and stay vigilant for objects falling from the sky.
The trash-carrying balloons, which have even targeted sensitive locations like the South Korean presidential compound, have raised concerns about the vulnerability of key South Korean facilities.
