Training for mass parades and events to mark North Korea’s 70th National Day anniversary appear to be significantly intensifying in Pyongyang, sources in the city say and late August-dated photos indicate.

Middle school to college-age children were frequently seen practicing for an anticipated torch march in Kim Il Sung Square and nearby open areas as usual in late August, but also in other parts of the city, including adjacent to the Pyongyang Ice Rink.

Informed sources told NK News they also recently saw “thousands of people” sleeping on the ground in Kim Il Sung Square after all-day training that would