DPRK displays ICBMs at huge parade
DPRK leader Kim Jong Un says his country will speed up the development of its nuclear arsenal.
Overseeing a massive military parade that displayed DPRK military development, including ICBMs and other weapons, leader Kim Jong-Un said his country will speed up the development of its nuclear arsenal.
The military parade took place on Monday night and marked the founding anniversary of the DRPK People's Revolutionary Army, according to the DPRK's KCNA news agency.
The DPRK has recently increased weapons testing to increase its deterrence capabilities. "Only when one is equipped with the formidable striking capabilities, overwhelming military power that cannot be stopped by anyone, one can prevent a war, guarantee the security of the country and contain and put under control all threats and blackmails by the imperialists," Kim said late last month.
US and South Korean officials report there are signs of new construction taking place at the only known nuclear test site in North Korea, which suggests that nuclear weapons testing may be resumed.
"The nuclear force of the Republic must be ready to exercise its responsible mission and unique deterrence anytime," Kim told the gathering, adding "If any forces try to violate the fundamental interests of our state, our nuclear forces will have to decisively accomplish its unexpected second mission," Kim said.
The parade saw a display of DPRK's Hwasong-17 ICBM, in addition to rows of conventional weapons such as artillery, rocket launchers, prototype tanks, and thousands of troops.