South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported on Wednesday that North Korea has executed its army chief of staff, Ri Yong Gil. If true, it would be the latest in a series of executions, purges and disappearances under its young leader.
The news comes amid heightened tension surrounding isolated North Korea after its Sunday launch of a long-range rocket. The launch came about a month after it drew international condemnation for conducting its fourth nuclear test.
A rare official confirmation of a high-profile execution came after Jang Song Thaek was executed for corruption in 2013. He was leader Kim Jong Un’s uncle and the man who was once considered the second most powerful figure in the country.
