North Korean soldiers resort to theft amidst dire food crisis

There has been an increase in burglaries near North Korean military bases. According to Daily NK, soldiers are responsible for a series of thefts. The portal reports that the military personnel have nothing to eat, so they are looting. "Now, with burglars terrorizing the neighbourhood, people's suffering is indescribable," says a source from the service.

The situation in the country ruled by Kim Jong Un is dire. There is a food shortage, which apparently affects even the soldiers who attack homes to obtain food. Recently, burglaries, especially in the city of Hyesan, have intensified.

Soldiers have been committing more burglaries against Hyesan citizens lately. These incidents are worsening conditions for already struggling people – said a source from the region, cited by Daily NK.

One of the most dramatic events occurred on 20 September when in one night, ten families in a neighbourhood in the Kangan district were victims of burglars. Not only food was stolen, but clothing and kitchenware as well.

Life is tough enough that people wake up groaning. Now, with burglars terrorizing the neighborhood, people’s suffering is indescribable - reports a source.

Witness accounts indicate that the burglars were dressed in military uniforms and carried guns, which intensified the anger towards the soldiers. The situation has become so serious that in places where people keep livestock, thefts of livestock have occurred. For families dependent on animal husbandry, such thefts mean losing their source of income.

For families dependent on livestock, this kind of theft abruptly deprives them of their livelihood – added a source.

Although similar events occurred during the famine in North Korea in the 1990s and early 2000s, the number of such incidents has significantly decreased in recent years. Unfortunately, the current situation indicates a return of these troubling practices, causing increasing fear and concern among citizens.

Despite these dramatic events, some residents try to show compassion for the young soldiers, who are also in a difficult situation. Military service in North Korea lasts about ten years – six times longer than the mandatory service in South Korea, approximately 18 months. Moreover, North Korean soldiers do not receive pay and often have to bribe their superiors.

If the government would just keep soldiers from going hungry during their service, they wouldn’t have any reason to steal. It’s frustrating that our country can’t even manage that — said a source.

The informants of Daily NK, on whom this information is based, operate in North Korea, China, and other locations, maintaining their anonymity for safety reasons.