Tensions Escalate Between North And South Korea, US Worried About Increase In Nuclear Threats, Cooperation Between Adversaries
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that the United States is worried about the rising nuclear threat, including the increase in cooperation between Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran.
SEOUL - The South Korean Presidential Office said that the country is set to begin broadcasting propaganda over the country’s border with North Korea in response to the recent launches of trash and feces-filled balloons into South Korea, adding that it may be difficult for North Korea to endure, but will deliver “messages of light and hope to the North Korean military and citizens”.
"We make it clear that the responsibility for any escalation of tension between the two Koreas will lie entirely with North Korea," the Presidential Office added.
During an emergency meeting by the South Korean National Security Council (NSC), the members stated that attempts by Pyongyang to raise public concerns and instigate confusion are “unacceptable”. The council agreed to take “corresponding measures” against the recent escalatory actions by North Korea
“The government will maintain a firm and thorough state of readiness against any provocations from North Korea to ensure public safety and national security," it stated.
330 More Trash-Filled Balloons Spotted By South Korea Since Saturday
Since Saturday, 330 more trash-filled balloons were detected by the South Korean military with over 80 of the balloons landing within South Korea, according to South Korean media.
Last month, and last week North Korea immediately began sending over 1,000 trash and feces-filled balloons into South Korea.
North Korea began sending the balloons over its border with South Korea after it announced “tit-for-tat action” in response to anti-Pyongyang propaganda pamphlets that have been sent to North Korea by South Korean activists, which South Korean media says are mainly from North Korean defectors and “conservative activists” to help encourage North Koreans to rise against the North Korean leadership.
First Time Since 2017 South Korea Broadcasts Propaganda Over Its Border To The North
This will be the first time since 2017 that South Korea blared propaganda over its border with the North. The last time the South resumed its propaganda campaign over its border was after Pyongyang carried out its 6th nuclear test on September 3rd, 2017, which North Korea said was a hydrogen bomb.
There was an incident in 2014 that occurred after North Korean forces fired anti-aircraft rounds at propaganda balloons carrying leaflets criticizing Pyongyang. The balloons were launched from Paju.
After North Korea fired at the balloons, which were sent by South Korean activists, and included North Korean defectors, South Korea returned fire after warning the North of its intentions.
“Our military first broadcast a warning and then fired 40 machine-gun rounds toward a North Korean guard post,” a spokesman stated at the time, adding, “We remain vigilant, carefully watching the situation.”