Pentagon cannot corroborate reports that N.Korean troops engaged in combat in Kursk

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Pentagon said on Monday that there were at least 10,000 North Korean troops in Russia's Kursk but could not corroborate reports that they were engaged in combat.

Pentagon spokesman Major General Patrick Ryder said there were indications that the North Korean troops would provide combat or combat support capabilities. He added that in total, there were between 11,000 to 12,000 North Korean troops in Russia.

(Reporting by Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart)