North Korea Sends Over 13,000 Containers to Russia: SouthKorean Military
Seoul, August 27, 2024 – The South Korean military has revealed that North Korea has shipped over 13,000 containers to Russia since mid-2022,raising concerns about potential arms transfers to support the ongoing war in Ukraine.
According to information obtained by the South Korean National Assembly’s Defense Committee from theDefense Intelligence Agency (DIA), the shipments originated from the port of Rajin and have been ongoing for over two years.
The DIA has been closely monitoring North Korea’s activities since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, suspecting that Pyongyang may be providing military support to Moscow. This suspicion stems from the discovery of similarities between North Korean missile technology and those used by Russia in Ukraine.
“We have observed that several missiles launched by Russia towards Ukraine share characteristicswith North Korean missiles,” a DIA official stated. “Therefore, we are closely monitoring the possibility of North Korean missiles being transported to Russia.”
The military believes that North Korea may have supplied Russia with various weapons, including 122mm rockets, T-series tank shells, portable surface-to-air missiles, and anti-tank missiles, all compatible with Russian weaponry.
Further evidence supporting the potential arms transfer comes from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s visit to Russia’s Vostochny Cosmodrome in September 2023. The DIA speculates that Russia may be providing North Koreawith technical support for reconnaissance satellites and missiles in exchange for military aid.
“The visit to the cosmodrome suggests a potential exchange of technology and military assistance between the two countries,” the DIA official added.
While North Korea has not publicly acknowledged any arms shipments to Russia, the South Korean military’s findings haveheightened concerns among international observers. The potential transfer of weapons could further escalate the conflict in Ukraine and undermine global security.
The United States and its allies have repeatedly condemned North Korea’s weapons development and its support for Russia’s war effort. They have also imposed sanctions on North Korea for its illicit activities.
The South Korean government is urging North Korea to cease its arms transfers to Russia and to focus on improving its own economy and the well-being of its people. They have also called on the international community to work together to prevent the further spread of weapons of mass destruction and to promote peace and stability in the region.
This revelation comes at a time of heightened tensions on the Korean peninsula. North Korea has conducted numerous missile tests in recent months, raising concerns about its nuclear ambitions. The South Korean military remains on high alert, monitoring North Korea’s activities closely.
The situation surrounding North Korea’s potential arms transfers to Russia is evolvingrapidly. The international community will be closely watching for further developments and will likely take steps to address the growing threat posed by North Korea’s actions.
【source】https://cn.yna.co.kr/view/ACK20240827004100881?section=nk/index&input=rss
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