North Korea sent more trash balloons to South Korea, the military said on Saturday. This happened after North Korea said South Korea sent drones over their capital, Pyongyang, three times last week.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said that North Korea sent about 20 balloons from late Friday to early Saturday. Around 10 balloons landed near the border in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province. The military is watching to see if more balloons will be sent soon.
The balloons had regular household trash, like paper and plastic, and no dangerous items. The trash is not harmful, but North Korea seems to be doing this to show they are upset with South Korea.
This is the 28th time since May that North Korea has sent trash balloons to South Korea. Each time it happens, it adds to the tension between the two countries.
North Korea also said that South Korea sent drones with leaflets over Pyongyang on October 3, as well as on Wednesday and Thursday. North Korea said this was a violation and warned of possible action. But South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun said he could not confirm if this happened, and the South Korean government denied sending any drones.
Even though there is no proof, North Korea’s accusations have made things more tense. Both countries have been using trash balloons and drones as a way to show they are not happy, without starting a real conflict.
The JCS said they are ready to respond to any more provocations from North Korea. Local authorities near the border have been told to stay alert in case more balloons are sent. The South Korean military is on high alert and watching North Korea closely.
Experts think North Korea is sending trash balloons to show their anger about the joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States. These actions are meant to send a message, even though they are not dangerous. The repeated use of trash balloons shows how North Korea acts in an unpredictable way.
While the trash balloons are not dangerous, they remind everyone of the ongoing tensions between North and South Korea. The South Korean government has said they want to keep things peaceful but will not allow any actions that threaten the safety of their people.