Iraq Border Police Down Suspected Drug-Laden Balloon Near Kuwait Border

Iraq Border Police shot down a suspicious air balloon in the Hızır el-Ma area near the border after it attempted to cross into Kuwait. A security source said the balloon was carrying narcotics and was targeted before it could reach the Kuwaiti side. The operation was carried out through direct coordination with the Kuwaiti side via the border liaison officer. After the balloon was hit, the drug packages inside scattered onto Kuwaiti territory. No information was given on the quantity or type of narcotics. Authorities also did not say who launched the balloon. The incident again highlighted how drug trafficking networks are using new methods to move contraband across border crossings.