A U.S. website specializing in North Korea analysis says that the country appears to have mobilized thousands of people for rehearsals for a military parade in Pyongyang. 

Citing commercial satellite imagery taken on Saturday, 38 North said thousands of people were seen at the Kim Il Sung Square apparently practicing for an upcoming event.

The website said those in formation at the square were spelling out a word that means to "defend with one's life."

It projected that at least one parade will take place around the Eighth Congress of the ruling Workers' Party set for next month, adding training has been observed at Mirim Parade Training Ground in eastern Pyongyang as well.