North Korea's Balloon Campaign Amid Tensions with South Korea

North Korea has resumed launching balloons, potentially carrying trash, towards South Korea in retaliation for anti-North Korean leafleting by South Korean civilian groups. The latest action follows a defense deal between North Korea and Russia, increasing regional tensions. South Korea urges its citizens to report the balloons to authorities.

North Korea reignited its balloon-launch campaign towards South Korea on Monday night, according to South Korea's military reports. This Cold War-era tactic has resurfaced following a significant defense pact signed between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In a cautionary statement, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the southward movement of North Korean balloons, advising citizens not to make contact but to report sightings to military and police. This follows North Korea's previous balloon barrages filled with various trash, which Pyongyang framed as retaliation against South Korean activists sending critical leaflets across the border.

Observing increased tensions, a collaborative statement from South Korea, the US, and Japan condemned the defense alignment between Russia and North Korea. Military drills involving US nuclear-powered aircraft carriers are scheduled, expected to heighten vigilance across the region.

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