North Korea has launched over 260 balloons filled with rubbish into South Korea, leading authorities to warn residents to stay indoors and avoid touching the balloons and attached plastic bags, which contain ‘filthy waste and trash’. North Korea had threatened to do this in retaliation against South Korean activists' leaflet campaigns. Residents near Seoul received alerts to avoid outdoor activities and report any ‘unidentified objects’ to authorities. Photos on social media show balloons carrying items like toilet paper, soil, batteries, and possibly even faeces. South Korea's military, condemning the action as a violation of international law and a threat to public safety, have demanded that North Korea cease these actions. Historically, both Koreas have used balloons for propaganda.