North Korea has launched hundreds of trash-filled balloons towards South Korea, in retaliation for activists flying anti-North Korean leaflets across the border. The balloons, carrying cigarette butts, cloth scraps, waste paper, and vinyl, have been found in various parts of South Korea. South Korea’s military has advised people to beware of falling objects and to report any suspicious objects to the authorities. There have been no reports of injuries or damage. The balloon launches are part of a series of recent provocative steps by North Korea, including a failed spy satellite launch and a barrage of short-range missile launches. South Korea’s military has said it has no plans to shoot down the balloons, citing concerns about causing damage or the possibility that they might contain dangerous substances.
