Additional Coverage:
- The West is seeing Kim Jong Un’s army in action. The North Korean soldiers are brutal zealots undeterred in the face of death. (newsbreak.com)
North Korean troops deployed to Russia are proving their capabilities in the Ukraine conflict. These soldiers, many from elite special operations units, are known for their relentless and often fanatical devotion to their mission. They are considered well-trained and highly motivated, even in unfamiliar combat situations.
Around 11,000 North Korean troops, disguised as Russians, arrived in the Kursk region of Russia last November. These soldiers are reportedly involved in high-cost, “human wave” assaults, taking heavy casualties.
This deployment marks North Korea’s largest involvement in a foreign conflict in its history. Experts and intelligence reports suggest these troops are among Pyongyang’s best, drawn from the 11th Corps, also known as the Storm Corps. This unit specializes in infiltration, sabotage, and assassinations.
Ukrainian soldiers describe the North Koreans as fast, nimble, and skilled marksmen. They appear fearless, even in the face of heavy losses. Diaries found on some North Korean soldiers contain dedications to their leader and country.
Russia is reportedly using these troops in extremely dangerous frontal assaults, leading to high casualties. Some reports suggest that Russian and North Korean leaders consider these soldiers expendable.
Despite their outdated tactics, the North Koreans are learning valuable lessons in modern warfare. They are gaining experience in drone neutralization and adapting to the realities of a mechanized battlefield. They are also observing firsthand the effectiveness of Western-supplied weapons systems used by the Ukrainians.
While the cost in lives is high, North Korea is likely gaining knowledge that could be critical in future conflicts. This experience could make them a more formidable force in East Asia. They are learning by doing, albeit in a brutal and devastating way.