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Satellite footage analyzed by the website 38North shows that there are an increased number of personnel and vehicles practicing in formation at a large square next to the Mirim Airport (Pyongyang East Airfield) as compared to the past. The exercises are being done in preparation of the North Korean People’s Army Foundation Day celebration that will take place on Feb. 8. (Yonhap News)
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Pentagon spokesman dismisses argument that North Korean military parade is linked to Pyeongchang Olympics
The US Defense Department said that the military parade that North Korea is planning for the celebration of the founding of the North Korean People’s Army on Feb. 8 is something it “often” does, dismissing the argument that the military parade is linked to the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. That was how Pentagon Chief Spokesperson Dana White responded to a reporter who asked during the regular press briefing on Feb. 1 whether the US regards North Korea’s parade as a threat. “I think we are encouraged by the inter-Korea dialogue, and we encourage it. The relationship between Seoul and Washington has never been closer, so we look forward to more progress,” White said. When asked whether North Korean weapons were a threat to the US or its allies, White said that the US is “capable… of countering any threat to the United States, its allies or its partners.” In response to a question about the “bloody nose” strategy, or in other words a limited attack against North Korea, during the daily press briefing on Feb. 1, US State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said, “I want to be clear about this: Our policy has not changed in any way. Our policy is still the maximum pressure policy.” “Diplomacy is our preferred approach,” she added. By Yi Yong-in, Washington correspondent Please direct questions or comments to [english@hani.co.kr]
