DPRK increases rail traffic with Russia

North Korea increases rail shipments of unknown cargo to the Russian Federation.

Beyond Parallel reported on this.

Satellite imagery of North Korea’s Tumangang Rail Facility at the border with Russia captured on October 5, 2023, shows an unprecedented number of freight railcars, totaling approximately 73 railcars.

The level of rail traffic is far greater than what Beyond Parallel has been observing at the facility over the past five years, even compared to pre-Covid-19 levels.

In September, Militarnyi reported on the exchange of weapons between the two countries.

For example, the DPRK supplies the Russians with a wide range of ammunition, while Russia promotes its fighter jets in the DPRK.

The extensive use of tarps to cover the shipping crates/containers and equipment makes it impossible to conclusively identify what was spotted at the Tumangang Rail Facility.

Developments elsewhere at the Tumangang Rail Facility indicate that North Korea is not simply planning to resume border traffic to pre-Covid-19 levels, but further expand the facility’s capacity at this border crossing.

This is evidenced by the development of new warehouse sites.

Matthew Miller, U.S. Department of State spokesperson, confirmed that there is “reason to believe that they were going to discuss military supplies.”

He added that regardless of the direction of the military exchange, the United States “will not hesitate to impose sanctions if and when appropriate.”

Satellite images show that, starting five days after the DPRK-RF summit, there has been a gradual but steady increase in the number of freight railcars.

It was at this facility that five Russian railcars from Hassan were spotted on November 18, 2022, when the White House confirmed that North Korea was supplying weapons to the Russian PMC Wagner.

In addition to these measures, over the past two years, a protective wall with numerous security posts has been built around the warehouses and the southern part of the railroad track.

These measures are likely part of North Korea’s efforts to strictly control the movement of the population, as well as preparations to handle sensitive goods at the border as the country seeks to strengthen its ties with Russia.