U.S. authorities officially confirm North Korean military casualties for the first time
The U.S. government announced on the 16th (local time) that North Korean troops dispatched to Russia fought with Ukrainian troops in Kursk, a fierce battlefield in Russia, and dozens of casualties occurred. This is the first time that the U.S. authorities have officially confirmed the North Korean military’s engagement and casualties.
According to CNN, U.S. Department of Defense spokesman Pat Ryder said in a briefing that day, “We assess that North Korean troops participated in the battle alongside Russian forces in Kursk,” and added, “There are also indications that North Korean troops have suffered casualties.” The specific number of casualties was not disclosed. Spokesperson Ryder added that North Korean troops have been integrated into Russian units and have been deployed into combat a week ago, primarily in an infantry role.
John Kirby, White House National Security Council (NSC) National Security Communication Advisor, also said in a briefing that day, “North Korean troops have moved to the front lines to actively participate in combat operations.” He said the deployment was an “important step forward” that showed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s desperation. He said, “The North Korean army suffered significant damage, including dead and wounded. “The number is definitely in the dozens,” he emphasized.
U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller also pointed out in a briefing that day, “North Korean troops deployed in Kursk have already participated in the battle and, as combatants, have become legitimate targets of the Ukrainian military.” He continued, “If they cross the border into Ukraine, this will be another escalation of war by the Russian government and the North Korean government,” and warned, “We have already witnessed an escalation of war between Russia and North Korea due to the dispatch of North Korean troops.”
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense’s Military Intelligence Service (GUR) claimed that about 30 North Korean soldiers were killed or injured in an exchange of fire with Ukrainian government forces in Kursk last weekend. GUR also reported that there were casualties in three villages in the Kursk region and that at least three North Korean soldiers were missing in other villages. “Due to these losses, North Korean attack units are being replenished with new soldiers,” GUR said.
Kim So-young, Donga.com reporter [email protected]
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