North Korea: Military leader executed for factionalism, says report

Seoul, Feb 12: A senior military leader in North Korea has been reportedly executed for "factionalism, misuse of authority and corruption, media reported on Friday.

According to report, senior military leader General Ri Yong-gil, chief of the North Korean Army's general staff executed, but further details of his execution is not available.

Execution of General Ri who was appointed to the post in 2013 is the latest in a string of high-profile officials that have been purged in a dramatic fashion, reported the CNN.

Ri appears to be one of the most senior officials executed to date, according to a U.S. defense official. According to reports, he was executed earlier this month.

"The move is a show of strength of North Korea," said David Kang, a professor of international relations at the University of Southern California.

"It is another way for Kim Jong Un to show he is in power. He is still young, and still learning who is on his side and who is not," added Kang.

The rumoured execution of General Ri has been reported days after the North launched a long-range rocket. North Korea also tested a hydrogen in January this year.

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