The intelligence officers told NHK the 10 killed North Koreans, who were helping build a suspected nuclear reactor in Syria, were believed to be officials from the Munitions Industry Department (No. 99 Department) of the North Korean Worker’s Party and North Korean sappers, or engineer soldiers. They said the bodies were cremated in Syria and their remains transported to North Korea the following day.

NHK said the No. 99 Department is an agency under direct supervision of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il and said to be in charge of exporting weapons and military technology to earn foreign currency. The whereabouts of two to three North Koreans who apparently survived the raid are unknown, the Japanese broadcaster added.

(englishnews@chosun.com )