All articles tagged with #balloons
Giant balloons carrying contraband from Belarus into Lithuania are being used in what Lithuania suspects is a hybrid attack to destabilize and exert political pressure, leading to border security measures, airport closures, and increased military patrols, amid broader tensions involving Russia and Western sanctions.
Lithuania has authorized shooting down balloons crossing from Belarus, considering it a hybrid attack and has temporarily closed its border, amid increased tensions and airspace incursions linked to hybrid warfare tactics by Russia and Belarus.
Lithuania closed its border with Belarus after dozens of helium balloons entered its airspace, which Lithuania attributes to hybrid threats and smuggling activities, prompting a strong response and international solidarity amid heightened tensions involving NATO and Russian activities in the region.
Lithuania has warned it will shoot down balloons used for cigarette smuggling from Belarus, closing border crossings and airports affected by these incursions, as part of its response to hybrid attacks and airspace violations, with plans to consult NATO.
Lithuania has permanently closed its border with Belarus and shut down its airspace multiple times due to balloons used by smugglers to transport contraband, disrupting over 170 flights and affecting 30,000 passengers. The balloons, suspected to be part of hybrid smuggling operations, have prompted Lithuania to consider harsher penalties and seek additional EU sanctions against Belarus, with discussions of invoking NATO's Article 4 to address security concerns amid broader European airspace security issues.
Balloons suspected of smuggling cigarettes from Belarus have caused repeated disruptions at Lithuania's main airport, leading to flight cancellations, diversions, and border closures, prompting Lithuania to consider stricter penalties and longer border shutdowns.
Private company WindBorne is deploying weather balloons to collect atmospheric data, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional radiosondes. While their data is currently free, they plan to sell some of it after a 48-hour delay. The company’s balloons gather extensive horizontal data, which differs from the vertical profiles collected by radiosondes, raising concerns about long-term climate data consistency. NOAA is exploring new atmospheric observation systems, including commercial balloons, to supplement or replace existing methods, amid trust issues with current strategies.
A TikTok video showing a boater removing balloons from the ocean highlights the environmental dangers of balloon pollution, which harms marine animals and ecosystems by introducing microplastics and entanglement hazards. The video calls for banning balloons and increasing public awareness to protect ocean health.
Satellite images reveal North Korea deploying balloon-like objects around a damaged warship, possibly to aid in its repair or prevent drone reconnaissance, amid complex salvage challenges following a failed launch that left the ship partially submerged and stranded.
Tensions between North and South Korea have escalated after North Korea sent balloons filled with trash across the border, prompting South Korea to suspend a 2018 military agreement and consider resuming anti-Pyongyang broadcasts. North Korea's actions are seen as a response to South Korean activists sending anti-regime materials into the North. The situation has led to increased military readiness and political debate in South Korea.
North Korea launched balloons filled with rubbish and manure into South Korea in retaliation for anti-Pyongyang leaflets sent by South Korean activists. This led South Korea to suspend a 2018 military agreement aimed at reducing tensions, allowing for the resumption of military drills and propaganda broadcasts. North Korea temporarily halted its balloon campaign but warned of intensified actions if South Korean activists continue their leaflet activities.
South Korea is suspending a 2018 military agreement with North Korea and resuming frontline military activities in response to North Korea's recent provocations, including launching trash-carrying balloons. The suspension, approved by South Korea's Cabinet Council and President Yoon Suk Yeol, aims to protect the public and strengthen military readiness amid rising tensions.
South Korea plans to fully suspend a key 2018 military agreement with North Korea after Pyongyang sent balloons filled with trash across the border. The suspension, which follows a partial freeze last year, aims to address concerns over military readiness and allows for immediate measures if necessary. The move comes amid escalating tensions, with North Korea mocking South Korea's complaints and halting its balloon campaign, which it claimed was a response to South Korean activists' propaganda efforts.
South Korea has suspended a 2018 military agreement with North Korea in response to nearly 1,000 balloons carrying trash and excrement being sent over the border by the North. Despite North Korea's announcement to halt the balloon campaign, South Korea plans to take punitive measures and conduct military drills near the border until mutual trust is restored. The agreement had aimed to reduce border tensions but has been strained by recent provocations from both sides.
South Korea plans to suspend a 2018 peace agreement with North Korea in response to the North's recent launches of trash-carrying balloons, despite North Korea's announcement to halt the campaign. The suspension will allow South Korea to resume military drills and anti-Pyongyang propaganda broadcasts. The move comes amid heightened tensions and ongoing provocations between the two Koreas.