Post by : Saif Rahman

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un hosted a ceremonial event to welcome home soldiers of the 528th Regiment of Engineers, recently returned from their mission in Russia, as reported by state media KCNA on Saturday.

During his address, Kim commended the regiment for their "heroic" efforts and "mass heroism" throughout their 120-day overseas deployment. These troops were dispatched to Russia in early August to undertake combat and engineering duties in the Kursk area amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

Videos shared by KCNA captured the homecoming, showing Kim personally greeting soldiers, including one in a wheelchair. The ceremony, held in Pyongyang on Friday, was attended by families, military leaders, party officials, and cheering crowds.

The North Korean government reported nine soldiers lost their lives during this mission. Kim expressed his condolences, calling their deaths a "heartrending loss" and declared that the regiment would be honored with the Order of Freedom and Independence. The fallen soldiers were also awarded the title of Hero of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea posthumously, along with other prestigious state honors.

According to KCNA, the regiment effectively cleared hazardous areas under combat situations and displayed “absolute loyalty” to the ruling Workers' Party of Korea and the nation. Kim underscored the unit’s discipline, political education, and solidarity as exemplary for the entire armed forces.

This event reflects a broader trend of North Korea publicly honoring its troops who served alongside Russian forces. Last year, as part of a mutual defense arrangement, North Korea sent approximately 14,000 soldiers to participate in the conflicts in the Kursk region, with more than 6,000 reportedly killed according to South Korean and Western intelligence sources.

Kim’s remarks and the ceremony symbolize North Korea’s enduring support for its military and the tight-knit relationship between the country and Russia. By emphasizing themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and valor, the leadership seeks to bolster national pride and military morale among its populace.

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