File photograph of Russian President Vladimir Putin, proper, and North Korean chief Kim Jong Un. | Picture credit score: AP
North Korea has despatched extra shipments of artillery and rocket launchers to Russia to help its battle in opposition to Ukraine as its troops interact in fight, a South Korean lawmaker mentioned Wednesday (Nov. 20, 2024).
Seoul has accused North Korea of sending 1000’s of troops and weapons-laden containers to Russia as army ties between the 2 nations have grown nearer, regardless of quite a few sanctions imposed on each.
The South’s Nationwide Intelligence Service (NIS) “has confirmed that the North has despatched 170mm self-propelled artillery and 240mm long-range rocket launchers,” Lee Seong-kweun, a member of a parliamentary intelligence committee, mentioned after a NIS briefing.
Pyongyang has additionally despatched extra personnel to keep up and restore the brand new weapons, as they aren’t a part of Russia’s standard arsenal, he added, with out giving particulars.
Lee mentioned a number of the roughly 11,000 North Korean troops deployed in Russia’s western Kursk area have seen fight, in line with Seoul’s spy company.
“They’ve been assigned to Russia’s airborne brigade and marine corps, receiving tactical and response coaching. A few of them are thought-about to have participated in fight,” he mentioned.
Because of this, the NIS believes “casualties are occurring” amongst North Koreans, he mentioned.
Neither Pyongyang nor Moscow have confirmed the presence of North Korean troops in Russia.
Pyongyang mentioned final month that any troop deployment to Russia would adjust to worldwide regulation.
The nuclear-armed North has publicly strengthened its army ties with Russia lately.
Russian President Vladimir Putin made a uncommon go to to Pyongyang in June, the place he signed a mutual protection settlement with chief Kim Jong Un.
Analysts have warned that the North’s latest improve in testing and manufacturing of artillery and cruise missiles may very well be preparation for future shipments to Russia.
North Korea’s troop deployment to Russia has prompted a change of tone in Seoul, which has to date resisted calls to ship deadly weapons to kyiv however not too long ago indicated it might change its long-standing coverage.
Printed – November 20, 2024 11:30 am IST
