North Korean general 'wounded' in Ukrainian Storm Shadow missile strike against Russia
WATCH NOW: Vladimir Putin meets North Korean foreign minister in Moscow
GB NEWS
A top North Korean general has been wounded in a Ukrainian strike in Russia's Kursk region, Western officials have claimed.
The casualty would mark the first military injury sustained from a member of Pyongyang's armed forces since North Korea intervened in the Ukraine conflict.
The strike, which reportedly involved British Storm Shadow missiles, targeted an underground control room believed to house both Russian and North Korean officials.
The incident comes after Kim Jong Un dispatched approximately 10,000 troops to bolster Putin's advancing forces in the region.
Ukrainian defence experts suggested that British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles were used in the attack, based on debris analysis and the nature of the strike.
Up to 12 missiles were launched into the Kursk region, according to Russian reports, though the exact target remains speculative.
Western officials declined to name the wounded officer, though the Wall Street Journal reports that Colonel General Kim Yong Bok had recently been deployed to Russia to coordinate troop movements with Putin's forces.
Ukraine claimed to have destroyed a building containing an underground "control room" after receiving permission to use Western long-range missiles for strikes deep within Russia.
Defence experts in Kyiv noted that "the only logical explanation" for such a strike was "the presence of the command of the Russian Army group in the Kursk region, together with North Korean generals".
A stock image of North Korean soldiers
GETTY
The British Government has refused to comment on operational matters, with Ukrainian and American officials similarly declining to provide details.
Initial reports suggested Storm Shadow missiles would be particularly effective for such a bunker strike.
The United States and South Korea have accused North Korea of sending more than 10,000 soldiers to support Russia's war effort in Ukraine.
Experts suggest Kim Jong Un's motivation includes gaining advanced technology and valuable battle experience for his troops.
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Ukraine fires UK-supplied Storm Shadow missile into Russia for FIRST TIME just 24 hours after Putin nuclear war warningGettySouth Korea's top security advisor Shin Won-sik revealed that North Korea has received equipment and anti-aircraft missiles to strengthen its air defence system in exchange.
A strategic partnership treaty signed between Kim and Putin in June requires both nations to provide immediate military assistance if either is attacked.
Putin celebrated the agreement as a "breakthrough document".
Analysts suggest North Korea is strategically positioning itself within the Russian war economy as a supplier of weapons, military support and labour.
Russia continues with its invasion of Ukraine REUTERSThis move could potentially allow Pyongyang to bypass its traditional reliance on China, its neighbour and main trading partner.
The attack on Kursk marks the first reported use of British Storm Shadows to strike within Russia, following America's precedent in permitting ATACMS long-range missiles against Russian targets.
Britain had previously only authorised Storm Shadow use within Ukraine's borders earlier this year.
The deployment of these sophisticated British missiles enables Ukraine to target military installations and airbases deep within Russian territory that were previously beyond reach.
Sources indicate the weapons were specifically deployed in response to North Korea's decision to send thousands of troops to support Putin's invasion.
The Biden administration hopes this robust response will "send a message" to Kim Jong Un, discouraging further troop deployments to support Russian forces.
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