North Korean Troops Withdrawn from Ukraine Amid Heavy Losses
North Korea has withdrawn its troops from the Ukrainian front lines following heavy losses of around 300 killed and 2,700 wounded. The decision is linked to the harsh realities faced by the soldiers, many of whom were untrained. Meanwhile, Taiwan is addressing flu awareness after the death of actress Barbie Hsu and enhancing military readiness amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Recent reports indicate that thousands of North Korean troops, deployed to support Russia in its war against Ukraine, have likely been withdrawn after suffering significant losses. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service confirmed that the North Korean soldiers were pulled from the front lines around mid-January. Estimates suggest that North Korea sent approximately 11,000 troops to the Russian Kursk region in late 2022, coinciding with an agreement between Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin for enhanced military cooperation.
The military commitment from North Korea has come at a high cost, with around 300 soldiers killed and 2,700 injured during combat, as observed by South Korean intelligence. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy showcased captured North Korean soldiers, highlighting the unexpected realities they faced. Many of these soldiers had not been adequately trained for combat situations and were particularly vulnerable to Ukrainian drone strikes.
Reports from South Korea indicate that notes found on deceased North Korean soldiers revealed their regime’s expectation for them to take their own lives to avoid capture. The involvement of North Korean troops raised alarms about the potential escalation of the conflict, amidst claims of possible further troop deployments from Pyongyang. In exchange for sending these soldiers, North Korea is seeking access to advanced Russian technology and foreign currency to support its weaponry programs.
According to the South Korean National Intelligence Service, the rising casualty figures likely contributed to the decision to withdraw North Korean troops. In the aftermath of a surprise offensive by Ukrainian forces in August, approximately half of the North Korean troops are estimated to be either killed or wounded. Seth Jones from the Center for Strategic and International Studies noted that casualty rates among these forces were alarmingly high, with estimates suggesting up to 1,000 killed.
In a separate incident, Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, also known as Big S, has passed away due to pneumonia, exacerbated by influenza, during a holiday trip in Japan. Her sister confirmed the news, emphasizing the family’s gratitude for their time together. Health authorities in Taiwan have since urged high-risk groups to get vaccinated amid a significant rise in flu-like illnesses, reporting over 162,000 hospital visits between January 19 to 25 this year.
Military officials disclosed that over a hundred soldiers from the 66th Marine Brigade have been deployed to Taipei International Airport to strengthen the capital’s defense against potential threats. This deployment follows an order from Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense earlier this month to bolster security resources in Taipei amid concerns over rising tensions. Civil society groups in Taiwan have also mobilized for recall efforts targeting Chinese Nationalist Party legislators, citing grassroots support in gathering signatures for the initiative.
The article discusses the withdrawal of North Korean troops from the front lines in Ukraine after suffering heavy casualties, demonstrating the complexities of military alliances and the impacts of warfare. It also touches on the death of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu due to flu complications, prompting health authorities to increase vaccination awareness. Additionally, it details military preparations in Taiwan amid geopolitical tensions and grassroots political movements aimed at recalling certain legislators.
The significant withdrawal of North Korean troops illustrates the challenges and heavy toll of warfare, especially for untrained soldiers deployed in unfavorable conditions. The death of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu highlights the ongoing health issues related to influenza in Taiwan, prompting health warnings. Furthermore, military strategies in Taipei reflect ongoing efforts to enhance national security amidst rising political and military tensions in the region.
Original Source: www.taipeitimes.com
