North Korean troops, vehicles preparing for major military parade: US think-tank

Amid restrictions on public due to coronavirus pandemic, hundreds of vehicles and thousands of troops in rth Korea have been garing to rehearse for a major military parade, shows satellite imry released by a US think-tank. ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) was founded on October 10, 1945, and rth Korean troops are preparing for a military parade to mark 75th anniversary of party.

38 rth, a program of Stimson Center dedicated to analysing events in and around rth Korea, released satellite imry which showed formation of troops and vehicles at Mirim Parade Training Ground, in Pyongyang suburbs. think tank analysed commercial satellite imry captured on August 31, marking a replica of Kim II Sung Square, where actual parade will take place.

ims provide first evidence that rehearsals are underway despite coronavirus restrictions in place for common public. Mirim facility has regularly been used as a rehearsal location for parades but rehearsals, according to 38 rth, started slightly later when compared to previous years, possibly because of COVID-19 measures and wear constraints.

“In 2017, for instance, preparations were observed about two months ahead of April 15 parade while in 2015, first signs of preparations for October 10 parade were observed in May,” said think tank.

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Kim's absence during April celebrations

In rth Korea, April 15 is considered as one of most important days in country’s annual political calendar to celebrate dynasty. However, rth Korea’s Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un remained absent from commemorations of his grandfar’s birth anniversary which triggered speculations around unusual break away from traditions.

While Kim’s absence from April celebrations triggered speculations around his health, experts will be closely watching October parade after fresh rumours.  A South Korea diplomat had claimed that Kim has delegated responsibilities of managing relations with Seoul and Washington to her sister Kim Yo-jong, making her de facto second in command. assertion led to ar wave of speculations, wondering wher Kim’s decision was taken in view of a possible deteriorating health condition. 

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