Approximately 4,000 of the 11,000 North Korean soldiers sent to Russia have died since their deployment in November 2022. These troops, many from the elite Storm Corps, are skilled in sabotage and assassinations. This marks North Korea’s most significant military involvement in a foreign war in its history, raising concerns over the implications for regional stability.
North Korea has reportedly lost around 4,000 of the 11,000 soldiers it sent to Russia in November, with further casualties anticipated. These troops, primarily special operations forces, were deployed to Kursk under the guise of Russian soldiers and utilized counterfeit identifications. This deployment marks the largest military engagement by North Korea in a foreign conflict throughout its nearly 80-year history, signaling a significant tactical maneuver on their part.
The deployment of North Korean troops to support Russia in the ongoing conflict against Ukraine highlights Pyongyang’s strategic military initiatives. Analysts, including those from Ukrainian and South Korean intelligence agencies, have observed that many of these soldiers belong to the elite 11th Corps, also known as the Storm Corps, renowned for their specialized training in infiltration and sabotage techniques. This unusual foreign participation raises questions about North Korea’s military objectives and international positioning.
The involvement of North Korean troops in Ukraine stands as a stark indicator of the regime’s willingness to engage in external conflicts, despite significant loss of life. As reported, the casualty rate among these forces is alarming, with thousands already having perished. This situation compels a closer examination of how North Korea’s military strategies may evolve in response to such engagements and the implications for regional and global security.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
