North Korean Forces Establish Observation Points to Monitor Ukrainian Drones: Kyiv Reports
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Seoul, Dec 19 (NationPress) North Korean forces dispatched to Russia for military action against Ukraine have created new observation posts aimed at detecting Ukrainian drones, as stated by Ukraine's military intelligence service. This development comes in light of reports indicating that North Korean units have incurred substantial combat losses.
The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) revealed this information on its website on Tuesday, following confirmation from the United States regarding the 'significant' troop losses North Korea has sustained alongside Russian forces in their efforts against Ukraine.
After experiencing considerable casualties, DPRK units have initiated the establishment of additional observation posts to identify drones deployed by the Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine, as noted by the DIU, using the acronym for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
The DIU further mentioned that Moscow continues to deploy North Korean troops to the western front-line region of Kursk.
The ongoing buildup of assault units by DPRK personnel in the Kursk area suggests that Moscow is intent on maintaining the momentum of its offensive operations, the agency reported, also mentioning that North Korean troops utilize red tape for identification purposes at the front, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
On Thursday, South Korea's intelligence agency informed lawmakers that at least 100 North Korean soldiers sent to Russia have lost their lives, with around 1,000 others believed to be injured.
The National Intelligence Service attributed the high casualty figures to North Korean troops being 'consumed' as front-line assault forces in 'unfamiliar battlefields' due to their inexperience with drones.
Additionally, it was reported that Russia's military has expressed concerns that the North Korean soldiers have become a 'burden' due to their 'ignorance' of drone warfare.
Some of the approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers stationed in the Kursk border area have been engaged in actual combat, according to the NIS.
'At least 100 individuals have been killed in this context, and the count of the injured is expected to reach around 1,000,' the agency stated, noting that generals are likely among the casualties.
The NIS reiterated that the high casualty rate stems from North Korean troops being utilized as front-line assault troops in 'unfamiliar battlefields' because of their lack of experience with drones.
