North Korea’s Troop Withdrawal from Kursk: A Setback for Putin
The withdrawal of North Korean troops from Russia’s Kursk region reveals significant casualties amid a failed military engagement, confirming concerns over the implications for regional security and North Korea’s potential military advancements stemming from their involvement in the conflict.
North Korean troops in Russia’s Kursk region have reportedly retreated amid significant casualties, as many have not been seen for weeks. The South Korean National Intelligence Service confirmed their withdrawal occurred in January, following estimates that between 10,000 and 11,000 North Korean soldiers joined the conflict after Ukraine’s successful offensive against Russian forces in their region. Reports indicate that approximately 300 North Korean troops have died and 2,700 have sustained injuries while engaged in combat with Ukraine.
This engagement marks North Korea’s first significant military involvement since the Korean War (1950-1953). Lee Seong Kweun, a member of South Korea’s National Assembly, noted that North Korean soldiers entered the fight without sufficient artillery support from Russian commanders. Intelligence memos recovered from deceased troops suggested orders for suicide if capture by enemy forces was imminent, emphasizing the dire situation they faced on the battlefield.
One soldier reportedly attempted to detonate a hand grenade when threatened with capture, shouting “General Kim Jong Un” before being shot by Ukrainian forces. Experts suggest that North Korean troops have struggled against modern warfare tactics, particularly drone usage, and attribute their high casualty rates to their inability to adapt to unfamiliar combat conditions in Kursk’s terrain.
Political analysts confirm that casualty counts played a key role in the decision to withdraw North Korean troops from the conflict. Seth Jones from the Center for Strategic and International Studies estimated that casualty rates could be as high as 50%, with potentially 1,000 soldiers killed amid significant losses for a force numbering around 11,000. Such losses were anticipated due to the differences between North Korea’s mountainous landscape and Kursk’s terrain.
The involvement of North Korean forces in Ukraine raises concerns for South Korea, as it could provide North Korea valuable combat experience and possibly lead to technology transfers from Russia that may bolster their nuclear capabilities, posing a notable security threat to the region.
The context of North Korea’s involvement in the war in Ukraine arises from their historic military engagements, most notably the Korean War. Recently, as the conflict intensified in Ukraine, North Korea sent troops to assist Russia amidst changing dynamics on the battlefield. South Korean intelligence has been closely monitoring the situation due to the implications it holds for regional security and military capabilities, considering North Korea’s nuclear arsenal.
The withdrawal of North Korean troops from Kursk highlights the challenges faced by their forces in modern warfare, resulting in significant casualties and operational failures. This retreat not only reflects poorly on Vladimir Putin’s military strategies but also raises alarms in South Korea regarding North Korea’s future military capabilities and the potential transfer of advanced military technology from Russia. Monitoring these developments remains crucial for regional stability.
Original Source: www.express.co.uk
