North Korean Soldiers Open 'Friendly Fire' on Russian Troops, Killing 8

After North Korean soldiers were deployed in assault operations in the Kursk region, integrated with Russian marines and airborne forces, combined Russian and North Korean units are estimated to have lost approximately 200 soldiers in total, including both fatalities and injuries, Ukraine’s Military Intelligence Directorate (HUR) reported on December 14.

In addition, a significant language barrier hindered coordination on the battlefield. This communication gap reportedly led to an incident of ‘friendly fire’ when North Korean troops mistakenly opened fire on vehicles belonging to the Russian Akhmat  battalion. The misfire resulted in the deaths of 8 of Kadyrov’s fighters.

HUR notes that around 11,000 North Korean troops are currently stationed in Russia.

Strict counterintelligence measures have been implemented in areas where they are deployed, including FSB inspections of Russian soldiers and officers, confiscation of mobile phones, and restricted access to North Korean units.

Earlier, Russia deployed a general to the frontlines in the Kursk region following complaints from North Korean soldiers about inadequate food supplies.