North Korean Russia-bound train spotted amid reports of covert ammunition deliveries
Party Congress of the Communist Party of the DPRK (Photo:KCNA via REUTERS)
A North Korean train has been spotted crossing the Russian border, evidenced by satellite images published by the 38 North website on Nov. 4, following U.S. Department of State claims about covert ammunitions deliveries between the two nations.
According to the site's analysts, the train was spotted on the only land link between North Korea and Russia on Nov. 4. This route, as well as all borders, were shut by North Korea in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. North Korea and Russia agreed to resume rail traffic in Sept. 2022.
38 North believs it is impossible to determine the purpose of the train from the provided satellite imagery. Although this is the first observed train on the line connecting Russia and North Korea since the pandemic, it does not mean it is the only train to have used the route in recent months.
For example, there was one more train at the beginning of November, carrying 30 horses as "a present" from the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. It was the first known rail shipment between the countries in nearly three years, though it was not captured by satellites.
On Nov. 2, CNN reported thst the U.S. had accused North Korea of secretly supplying Russia with artillery shells for Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine.
Earlier, Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder stated that Russiaie is attempting to purchase ammunition from countries like North Korea and Iran. The U.S. Department of State confirmed North Korea is secretly sending a "significant" amount of artillery shells to Russia.
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