Iraqi border police shoot down suspected drug balloon near Kuwait

Iraq Border Police shot down a suspected balloon carrying narcotics in the Khidr al-Ma area near the border as it tried to cross into Kuwait. A security source said the balloon was targeted before it reached the Kuwaiti side. The intervention was carried out through direct coordination with the Kuwaiti side via the border liaison officer. After the balloon was hit, the drug packets inside scattered onto Kuwaiti territory. No information was given on the amount or type of narcotics, and officials did not say who sent the balloon. The incident shows that drug-smuggling networks are using new methods at border crossings.