North Korea launches nearly 200 balloons with trash

The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff has announced that North Korea launched over 180 balloons carrying trash towards South Korea at night on June 26, which is the third time during this week.

Approximately 70 balloons, predominantly containing small pieces of paper, landed mostly in Seoul and the northern areas of Gyeonggi Province surrounding the capital. Proceeding from the analysis, there were no harmful substances, Caliber.Az reports citing the foreign media.

North Korea has launched thousands of balloons in retaliation against anti-Pyongyang leaflets sent by North Korean defectors and activists in South Korea since May 28. In reaction to the balloon campaign, South Korea briefly broadcasted anti-Pyongyang messages through its border loudspeakers on June 9, for the first time in six years.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff voiced its readiness to use the loudspeakers at any moment, emphasising that the decision would hinge on North Korea's actions. North Korea has reacted negatively to this propaganda campaign, fearing that an increase in external information could jeopardize its leader Kim Jong-un and the ruling regime.

North Korea has flown balloons carrying trash into South Korea since late May, with hundreds landing in South Korea. Among the items carried by the North Korean balloons have been articles printed with Hello Kitty characters, badly worn clothing, and parasites.