Missiles and masks: North Koreans prepare military parade despite coronavirus concern
Source: Reuters
WORLD NEWS
OCTOBER 8, 2020 11:37 PM UPDATED 3 HOURS AGO
Missiles and masks: North Koreans prepare military parade despite coronavirus concern
By Josh Smith
3 MIN READ
SEOUL (Reuters) - North Koreans wearing medical masks have gathered in the capital of Pyongyang, state media reported this week, ahead of what is expected to be a big military parade on Saturday, possibly featuring the countrys latest ballistic missiles.
The holiday marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers Party of Korea, and events include art and industry exhibitions, a light show, visits to monuments and ceremonies to mark the completion of construction projects.
Officials in South Korea and the United States say that North Korea could use the parade to show off a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
There is a possibility that North Korea will unveil new strategic weapons, such as new intercontinental ballistic missiles or submarine-launched ballistic missiles, to draw attention at a time when its economic achievements have been sluggish, the Souths Unification Ministry, which handles relations with the North, said on Thursday.
-snip-
Read more:
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-missiles/missiles-and-masks-north-koreans-prepare-military-parade-despite-coronavirus-concern-idUSKBN26U0AE
______________________________________________________________________
Source:
The Guardian
North Korea plans biggest ever military parade for party anniversary report
Satellite images suggest show of strength will feature thousands of troops and missile hardware paraded before Kim Jong-un
Justin McCurry in Tokyo
Fri 9 Oct 2020 05.04 BST
Speculation is building that North Korea will unveil its latest weaponry at a huge parade this weekend to mark the 75th anniversary of the ruling Workers party.
The event, which will be keenly watched for signs of improvements in the regimes nuclear and missile capabilities, is expected to be the biggest of its kind in the countrys history.
According to 38 North, a website that monitors North Korea, recent satellite images suggest the parade will feature thousands of goose-stepping troops, watched by their leader, Kim Jong-un.
They will be followed by tanks and armoured vehicles, but interest will be focused on the spectacles climax, when Kim could send a strong message to Washington by unveiling new long-range missiles capable of striking the US mainland.
-snip-
Read more:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/09/north-korea-plans-biggest-ever-military-parade-for-party-anniversary-report