From Scythia to South Korea: a potted history of poo in warfare

North Korea is alleged to have sent balloons carrying rubbish and faeces toward South Korea in an apparent act of retaliation. Photograph: AP

South Koreans faced a different type of retaliation this week when more than 150 white balloons were allegedly floated across the border by North Korea attached to bags of rubbish and faeces.

It came after the North Korean defence vice-minister, Kim Kang-il, warned that Pyongyang would retaliate in response to anti-North Korean leaflets flown across the border in the opposite direction.