N. Korea marks 73rd armistice anniversary with ceremonial parade

North Korea has held a commemorative parade to mark the 73rd anniversary of the armistice that ended the 1950-53 Korean War, involving columns symbolic of units fought in the war, state media reported Tuesday.

Leader Kim Jong-un attended the event the previous day, flanked by senior party, government and military officials, along with war veterans, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.

Diplomats from China and Russia stationed in Pyongyang were also present.

The armistice was signed on July 27, 1953, halting the war.

North Korea has observed the date as Victory Day since 1996, claiming it won the war against U.S.-led forces.

The parade featured formations reenacting North Korean military units from the war, according to the report, followed by marching units representing the country's modern ground, naval and air forces.

Kim "extended warm militant encouragement to the invincible elite ranks and representatives of the matchless army who newly defined the concept of the strong army and the law of victory, and placed the absolute might of the revolutionary armed forces at the peak of ...