North Korea vows to crush any US attack

North Korean leader Kim Jong Il reviewed a massive military parade in central Pyongyang today as the communist state marked the 60th anniversary of its ruling party with vows to “mercilessly crush” American imperialists if they attack.

After thousands of goose-stepping soldiers, some with bayonet-tipped rifles, entered Pyongyang’s main plaza in neat columns, Kim appeared at the podium - sparking deafening applause from the troops and audience members while hundreds of balloons were released into the air, North Korean TV showed.