North Korea’s military parade features hazmat suits and gas masks - BBC News

North Korea has held a military parade to mark the communist state's 73rd founding anniversary, but did not display any major ballistic missiles.

State media photos of the night-time parade showed marching soldiers in what appeared to be bright red hazmat suits and gas masks.

According to our correspondent this may be a sign that a special force has been created to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Leader Kim Jong-un, who looked visibly slimmer, was seen among the unmasked crowds hugging children.

On Thursday, state media also released images of fire trucks, tractors, and fireworks at the parade.

North Korea is suffering from food shortages and a deepening economic crisis due to the Covid-19 pandemic.