How South Korea’s Spy Agency Exposed North Korea’s Secret Weapons Deals with Hamas

South Korea’s spy agency has exposed North Korea‘s secret weapons deals with Hamas, the militant group that is engaged in a war with Israel, by releasing a photo of a North Korean rocket part that was allegedly used by Hamas fighters. 

The photo, which shows a fuse with Korean characters and numbers, confirms a previous report by Voice of America (VOA) that Hamas used an F-7 rocket-propelled grenade launcher manufactured in North Korea.

What is the evidence and how was it obtained?

The evidence of North Korea’s weapons supplies to Hamas is a photo of a fuse that belongs to an F-7 grenade launcher, a type of high-explosive fragmentation rocket that is also known as the RPG-7 in North Korea. 

The fuse, which is located in the mid-section of the rocket, has on it a combination of Korean characters and numbers, such as “비저-7류” and “시8-80-53,” which indicate the model and the serial number of the rocket.

The photo was obtained by the National Intelligence Service (NIS), South Korea’s spy agency, which said that its “assessment is the same as the VOA report” that first revealed the use of North Korean weapons by Hamas. The NIS did not disclose how it acquired the photo, but it said that it is “collecting and accumulating” detailed evidence of North Korea’s suspected weapons deals with Hamas, such as trade volumes and the timing of arms trade.

The NIS also said that it is “currently difficult to provide such evidence due to the need to protect information sources and in consideration of diplomatic ties,” implying that it has covert agents or informants in the region who are involved in the investigation.

Keep Reading

What are the implications and the reactions of the exposure?

The exposure of North Korea’s weapons deals with Hamas has implications and reactions for the security and the stability of the region and the world. The exposure has:

  • Confirmed and revealed the extent and the nature of North Korea’s involvement and support for Hamas, which is considered a terrorist organization by many countries, and which is engaged in a violent conflict with Israel, a key ally of the United States and South Korea.
  • Undermined and violated the international sanctions and the resolutions that prohibit North Korea from exporting or importing weapons and military equipment, and that aim to curb its nuclear and missile programs.
  • Increased and escalated the tensions and the risks of confrontation between North Korea and its adversaries, such as South Korea, the United States, and Israel, who have condemned and criticized North Korea’s weapons deals with Hamas, and who have vowed to take actions to stop them.

North Korea has denied and dismissed the allegations of its weapons deals with Hamas as “groundless,” and has accused the United States of “cooking up a false accusation” against it. North Korea has also claimed that it has the right to support and assist Palestine, and that it has ordered its officials to come up with measures to provide comprehensive assistance to the Palestinians.

Noto

Jakarta-based Newswriter for The Asian Affairs. A budding newswriter that always keep track of the latest trends and news that are happening in my country Indonesia.

Recent Posts

Indonesia Extends Sales Ban to Google Pixel Following Non-Compliance with Investment Requirements

Indonesia’s Ministry of Industry has implemented a ban on the sale of Google Pixel phones within the country, adding to…

November 4, 2024

One Piece Unveils Revamped Fish-Man Island Saga with New Opening Theme as Anime Prepares for 2025 Return

One Piece offers a new take of the legendary Fish-Man Island arc, so fans are in for a nostalgic trip…

November 4, 2024

Johor to Pioneer Premium Salaries for Skilled Workers as Malaysia’s First State Initiative under Johor-Singapore SEZ

Particularly in areas related to the forthcoming Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), Johor is poised to become the first state…

November 4, 2024

China-Japan Diplomatic Groundwork Laid Ahead of Anticipated Xi-Ishiba Summit in South America

China and Japan are getting ready for what would be a historic meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and freshly…

November 4, 2024

Philippines Triumphs with Fifth Consecutive East Asia Baseball Cup Title

Celebrating their fifth straight East Asia Baseball Cup title, the Philippines men's baseball team savored a historic triumph. Sunday in…

November 4, 2024

Japan’s Bold “Conveyor Belt Road” to Solve Truck Driver Shortages with Automated Cargo Transport

Officially known as an "auto flow road," the government of Japan has presented plans for a revolutionary "conveyor belt road,"…

November 3, 2024

This website uses cookies.

Read More