N Korea displays apparently new missiles as US carrier group approaches

Pyongyang/Seoul, April 15 : North Korea displayed what appeared to be new long-range and submarine-based missiles on the 105th birth anniversary of its founding father, Kim Il Sung, on Saturday, as a nuclear-powered US aircraft carrier group steamed towards the region.
A US Navy attack on a Syrian airfield this month raised questions about US President Donald Trump’s plans for reclusive North Korea, which has conducted several missile and nuclear tests in defiance of UN and unilateral sanctions, regularly threatening to destroy the United States.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Kim Il Sung’s grandson, looking relaxed in a dark suit and laughing with aides, oversaw the huge parade on the “Day of the Sun” at Pyongyang’s main Kim Il Sung Square.Goose-stepping soldiers and marching bands filled the square, next to the Taedonggang River that flows through Pyongyang, in the hazy spring sunshine, followed by tanks, multiple launch rocket systems and other weapons.Single-engine propeller-powered planes flew in a 105 formation overhead.
Unlike at some previous parades attended by Kim, there did not appear to be any a senior Chinese official in attendance. China is North Korea’s lone major ally but has spoken out against North Korea’s missile and nuclear tests and supported UN sanctions.The North has said it has developed and would launch a missile that can strike the mainland United States but officials and experts believe it is some time away from mastering all the necessary technology.