North Korea held a military parade showcasing military equipment in its capital, Pyongyang, last night, during the celebration of the 73rd anniversary of the state's founding. The state television did not broadcast footage of the event attended by leader Kim Jong Un until Thursday morning, and the full scope of the weapons displayed during the event was not immediately clear.
There were indications that the parade, which North Korea stated involved security forces and public security forces, was toned down compared to previous military displays in January and October of last year, when Pyongyang unveiled some of its strategic weapons that pose a threat to its Asian adversaries and U.S. territories. According to the Associated Press, state media did not mention any ballistic weapons this time.
The Korean Central News Agency and Rodong Sinmun published images and reports of fighter jets flying in formation over the brightly lit Kim Il Sung Square, named after Kim's state-founding grandfather, as well as artillery pieces towed by tractors. There were also parades featuring military inspection dogs and soldiers wearing gas masks and bright red uniforms.
