North Korea shows off unprecedented display of nuclear might in surprise night-time military parade

Rogue state displays at least 11 of its most advanced Hwasong-17 ICBMs, capable of striking the US mainland

(AP)

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un presided over a much-anticipated military parade on Wednesday night, showcasing the country’s largest ever display of advanced, nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Images released by state media showed as many as 11 Hwasong-17 missiles, North Korea’s largest ICBM, which are capable of each carrying multiple nuclear warheads and have the range to strike nearly anywhere in the world, including the US mainland.

International observers have been noting preparations for the parade for some weeks, and on Thursday South Korea criticised its neighbour for dedicating so much time and resources to a sabre-rattling exercise while ordinary citizens struggle for enough food to survive.