North Korean Troops Report Over 5,000 Casualties in Kursk Region

The British defense ministry reports that North Korean troops have suffered over 5,000 casualties in Kursk while battling Ukrainian forces. This figure accounts for nearly half of the 11,000 troops initially deployed. High attrition from dismounted assaults is noted, as is the necessity for leadership consent for operations beyond Kursk.

According to the British defense ministry, North Korean troops have experienced over 5,000 casualties in the Kursk region while engaging with Ukrainian forces. By March, roughly one-third of these casualties had been classified as killed in action. This number represents nearly half of the initially deployed 11,000 troops sent to support Russia’s efforts against Ukraine.

The ministry identified that North Korean forces have endured high casualty rates predominantly due to their extensive and attritional assault strategies. Intelligence suggests that recently, both North Korean and Russian troops have achieved some territorial gains in the Kursk region. However, any operations extending into Ukrainian territory would require authorization from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In a separate report, South Korea’s military estimated that North Korean casualties may have reached 4,000 from the originally dispatched 11,000 troops. It is also believed that an additional 3,000 North Korean troops were sent to Russia during January and February.

The significant casualties among North Korean troops in the Kursk region underscore the high stakes involved for North Korea in the ongoing conflict. While they have made some territorial advancements alongside Russian forces, the high mortality rates raise questions about the sustainability of such military involvement. Future operations may hinge on the directives of North Korean and Russian leadership.

Original Source: en.yna.co.kr