North Korean Casualties in Ukraine Conflict Surpass 4,000, Reveals NIS

The NIS reports over 4,000 North Korean casualties in Ukraine, indicating a significant loss of life. Conscription has led to extreme measures among youth to avoid military service, while North Korea’s efforts to conceal military involvement persist. The regime is also presumed ready to conduct nuclear weapons tests at any moment.

The National Intelligence Service (NIS) of South Korea has reported that casualties among North Korean troops deployed in the Ukraine conflict have exceeded 4,000, as stated by Representative Lee Seong-kweun. This figure reflects an increase from January’s estimate of approximately 3,000 casualties, with over 11,000 troops initially sent by North Korea for Russia’s military operations. This escalation in casualties corresponds to the high toll North Korean forces face in the ongoing war.

Lee further indicated that following a brief withdrawal from the Kursk front in February, North Korea intensified its troop deployments, potentially sending an additional 3,000 to 4,000 personnel. The NIS suggests that North Korean forces have sustained around a 30 percent casualty rate, leading to the replenishment of their ranks. This cycle of losses and resupplies highlights the pressing challenges faced by North Korean forces in the conflict.

The report notes that casualties may involve North Korean officers, yet the regime’s efforts to conceal the extent of military involvement are apparent, with efforts to recover deceased soldiers’ bodies to prevent revealing the true scope of their participation. While Ukrainian authorities claim that North Korean troops have shifted the balance in favor of Russian forces, the NIS maintains that their overall impact has been limited.

Moreover, the report has revealed alarming trends among conscription-age North Koreans, including extreme actions such as self-mutilation to evade military service. Lee pointed out that the anxiety surrounding conscription is pervasive, particularly among families with only children. In response, North Korean officials have been offering condolences and gifts to families of deployed soldiers to quell potential unrest.

On the matter of nuclear weapon testing, the NIS suggests that North Korea is poised to conduct another test, asserting that it is merely a question of timing. The intelligence agency continues to monitor the situation closely, viewing North Korea’s readiness for nuclear testing as an ongoing concern.

In summary, the NIS has reported a significant increase in casualties among North Korean troops in Ukraine, indicating challenges in managing their military engagement. The North Korean regime’s attempts to mitigate unrest due to conscription are manifesting in extreme measures taken by potential conscripts. Furthermore, the possibility of upcoming nuclear weapons tests by North Korea remains a critical concern for regional stability.

Original Source: www.koreaherald.com