WATCH | 'Burnt' North Korean soldiers jump out after Ukrainian drone makes M1991 MLRS self-destruct after attack in viral video

Amid reports of Kim Jong-un deciding to send more soldiers to support Russian forces in the invasion of Ukraine, a new video has gone viral showing the destruction of an M1991 MLRS system on the battlefield. The undated footage, released by Kyiv, captured the moment a Ukrainian kamikaze drone approached the North Korean weapon system from behind undetected and detonated -- turning the truck into a fireball.

 

The viral video showed the drone reaching the loaded launcher from the rear and exploding on impact, destroying it within seconds. One of the rockets breached the crew cabin and continued forward as two servicemen jumped out in a desperate attempt to save their lives.

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The footage also captured a second, much larger explosion that followed moments later -- suggesting the entire area was incinerated, leaving no survivors. THE WEEK couldn't independently verify the authenticity of the video.

 

For the uninitiated, the M1991 is a North Korean self-propelled Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). It is a long-range artillery platform capable of launching multiple unguided rockets in rapid succession. Pyongyang has reportedly been supplying Russia with both personnel and military hardware since at least 2023. Despite sustaining heavy losses, North Korea continues to support Moscow as part of its efforts to strengthen ties with Vladimir Putin and provide its forces with real battlefield experience.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO HERE:

Many viewers who shared the viral video were stunned that two crew members managed to jump out of the truck alive, even after a rocket pierced their cabin. They escaped just moments before the first explosion — only to be likely killed by the second, more powerful blast. Some commented that it was remarkable they survived the initial MLRS detonation, while others claimed that an adrenaline rush might have kept the heavily injured men on their feet for a brief time. 

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Both soldiers appeared to be wearing military pants but no shirts (only white inners), suggesting they may have suffered severe burns. Netizens speculated that the two were likely deaf and blind by the time they jumped out and probably sustained life-threatening third-degree burns. Even if the second explosion was unrelated or edited into the footage by Kyiv for propaganda purposes, many agreed the men were unlikely to survive.

 

Drone warfare continues to be one of the most significant aspects of the ongoing war, with both sides using UAVs to devastating effect. Russia’s fibre-optic drones are considered advanced due to their radar-evading capabilities. However, Ukraine, backed by NATO allies, has been abundantly supplied with high-tech drones, inflicting heavy losses on enemy troops and infrastructure across the front lines. 

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A video that went viral last year showed a large number of North Korean soldiers being neutralized while trying to intercept incoming drones. In another recent example, a coordinated drone assault using mobile launchpads deep inside Russian territory helped Ukraine destroy several Russian bombers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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