South Korea has reported the detection of suspected balloons carrying trash that were launched by North Korea, marking the latest chapter in a Cold War-style psychological confrontation between the two divided nations. The government of Seoul, South Korea’s capital, issued text alerts on Wednesday informing the public that objects believed to be North Korean balloons had been sighted in areas north of the city. Residents were urged to remain indoors and be cautious of objects falling from the sky.
The South Korean military did not provide immediate details regarding the incident, and there have been no reports of injuries or property damage thus far. Over the past few weeks, North Korea has been sending thousands of balloons containing waste paper, cloth remnants, and cigarette leftovers towards the South. The North has described this activity as a response to South Korean civilians who fly anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets across the border.