South Korea Threatens Military Response to North Korean “Trash Balloons”
Seoul has warned of a potential military response to North Korea’s ongoing “trash balloon” launches across the border, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff. The launches, which have caused disruption and anxiety among the South Korean population, have been deemed “gray zone provocations” by Seoul.
“North Korea’s gray zone provocations are continuing and are causing inconvenience and anxiety to the public, so we have summarized the military’s position to date and delivered a message,” said Lee Sung-joon, a spokesperson for South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff. “This is an internationally shameful and petty act that creates discomfort and anxiety among our people and is a low-level act intended to incite conflict.”
While there have been no immediate military responses, South Korea has stated that it will consider military action if the balloons directly cause casualties. “If North Korea’s continued trash balloons are judged to pose a serious threat to the safety of our citizens or to have crossed the line, the military will take stern military action,” Lee added.
Since May 28th, North Korea has launched 5,500 balloons on 22 separate occasions, with approximately 120 balloons launched on Sunday and Monday alone. These balloons have caused disruptions at Incheon International Airport, the main airport in Seoul, resulting in two temporary shutdowns during Monday’s early morning hours. The balloons have also been linked to several fires in metropolitan areas, allegedly caused by “heat timers” attached to them.
The content of the balloons has included household waste such as paper, vinyl, and plastic bottles, as well as manure. While no hazardous materials have been identified, the South Korean military has expressed concern over the potential risks associated with shooting down the balloons due to possible dispersal of hazardous substances.
Seoul estimates that North Korea has spent 550 million won (approximately $411,600) on producing the balloons. This is a significant sum, highlighting the seriousness of the issue for the North Korean regime.
It’s worth noting that South Korean civic groups have historically flown balloons into North Korea, often carrying humanitarian aid and criticism of the regime in Pyongyang. North Korea has consistently protested these actions and threatened retaliatory measures.