Reports show that North Korea has deployed approximately 11,000 soldiers to support Russia in its conflict with Ukraine.
Many of these troops are said to be from the elite Storm Corps unit, known for their rigorous training and high morale.
Despite their lack of experience with modern warfare technologies, such as drones, and challenges like language barriers, military experts caution against underestimating their capabilities.
Their unwavering loyalty and adaptability could make them formidable on the battlefield.
According to Ukraine, at least 30 North Korean soldiers were killed or wounded in fighting over the weekend alone near villages in Kursk close to the Ukrainian border.
One Ukrainian unit reported that North Koreans — wearing different uniforms from the Russians — had launched infantry attacks using the “same tactics as 70 years ago,” in an apparent reference to the Korean War, where waves of infantry were used.
Recently, a South Korean lawmaker said about 100 North Korean soldiers are believed to have been killed and almost 1,000 injured since being deployed to Kursk, according to the country’s intelligence agency.
Lee Seong-kwon, who was briefed by the National Intelligence Service, said the agency had seen signs that the casualties include “general-level officials.”
Pyongyang’s soldiers are said to lack real-world battle experience and will face unfamiliar terrain in a brutal, modern war theater – one that has wrought chaos and horror for both sides as the dead pile up across the front lines.
“If I was going to describe their capability more broadly and not think about the kit that they had, I would tell you that these are not battle-hardened troops, they haven’t been in combat before,” the US official said, adding their assessment was that casualties included “all ranks” including leaders at command-and-control nodes.
Despite this, some analysts have warned against underestimating the North Koreans.
Lt. Gen. Chun In-bum, a veteran of the South Korean army said North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un will be sending “the best” from an elite force of highly trained and “indoctrinated” soldiers known as the Storm Corps.
