North Korea held a military parade this morning in Kim Il Sung Square to mark the 65th anniversary of the founding of the North Korean state. The parade featured the Worker and Peasant Red Guards, North Korea’s civilian defense force.
The even was broadcast live on Chosun Central Television, where Kim Jong Eun was pictured dressed in military attire.
Other high-level attendees included Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly Kim Yong Nam, Director of the KPA General Political Bureau Choe Ryong Hae, Prime Minister Pak Bong Ju, General Ri Yong Gil, Vice Chairman of the National Defense Commission Jang Sung Taek, Party secretaries Kim Kyong Hui and Kim Gi Nam, and Minster of State Security Kim Won Hong.
Invited guests included delegates from the Supreme People’s Assembly, military and party cadres, the families of deceased revolutionary fighters, representatives of overseas compatriot groups, and several additional foreign delegates.
The Worker-Peasant Red Guards is estimated to be a five million strong force made up of laborers, farmers and discharged soldiers. Their primary purpose is to ensure regional defense and guard key facilities. In an emergency situation they would play a supporting role to the regular army.
In a break with the past, little in the way of military weaponry was displayed.
