(MENAFN- The Arabian Post) Arabian Post -
North Korean troops deployed in Russia's Kursk region are experiencing significant casualties and logistical challenges due to Ukrainian military actions, according to Ukraine's military intelligence agency, GUR. Ukrainian strikes near Novoivanovka have inflicted substantial losses on these units, which are also contending with supply shortages, including a lack of drinking water.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that over 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded in the Kursk region. He expressed concerns about the potential deployment of additional North Korean troops and military equipment to support Russia's efforts in the ongoing conflict.
South Korean intelligence estimates that North Korea has dispatched approximately 12,000 troops to Russia, with at least 1,100 casualties reported among these forces. The high casualty rates are partly attributed to the soldiers' inexperience with modern warfare tactics, such as drone operations, and challenges arising from language barriers and inadequate training with advanced equipment.
The deployment of North Korean troops to Russia is reportedly part of a broader agreement between Pyongyang and Moscow, involving the exchange of military support for economic aid, including oil and technology. This collaboration allows North Korea to circumvent international sanctions and gain combat experience, while Russia benefits from additional manpower and munitions.
Despite the significant losses, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appears committed to continuing support for Russia. Analysts suggest that this alliance enables North Korea to enhance its military capabilities and strengthen its geopolitical standing, while Russia gains a steady supply of artillery shells and ballistic missiles.
The presence of North Korean troops in the conflict has raised international concerns. The United States has expressed apprehension about reports of North Korean soldiers fighting for Russia, emphasizing the need for a coordinated response from global allies. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted that approximately 8,000 North Korean soldiers are stationed near the Ukraine border, with potential deployment into combat zones imminent.
Ukrainian forces have reportedly engaged North Korean units in combat, with drone footage revealing instances of North Korean soldiers being forced to traverse exposed areas, leading to significant casualties. These tactics have been criticized as inhumane, highlighting the dire conditions faced by these troops on the front lines.
via North Korean Soldiers in Russia Face Heavy Losses Amid Ukraine Conflict
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