North Korea ranking army officer told executed by the regime

Ranking North Korean army officer said to be executed by regime

A senior North Korean military leader has been executed for "disruption, abuse of power and corruption," a South Korean government official with knowledge of North Korean affairs told CNN Thursday.

The official, who spoke on CNN, on condition of anonymity, declined to give further details on how or when general Ri Yong-gil, chief of staff of the North Korean army, was executed.

RI was appointed in 2013, Yonhap news South Korean delegation.

A source told Yonhap that Ri was executed last week.

David Kang, professor of international relations at the University of Southern California, told CNN the move seems to be a show of strength by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Execution of RI is the latest in a series of high profile officials who have cleared dramatically.

"It's another way for Kim Jong Un to show that they are in power. Is still young and still learning who's on his side and who is not, "said Kang.

"People who are on the wrong side become disposable."

Heightened tensions arising

The news comes amid heightened tensions arise on the Korean peninsula following nuclear test last month from the north, and launch missiles Sunday.

North Korea insists the launch was to put a satellite in orbit, but it was by other nations, such as Japan and South Korea, as a front for a test of ballistic missiles.

This type of missile, analysts say, could also be used as an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and could potentially carry a nuclear warhead.

In retaliation, South Korea and the United States take what measures they can against the North Korean regime

South Korea said Wednesday closing the Kaesong industrial complex, a joint initiative of the North-South-run located in North Korea and a rare example of cooperation between the two countries.

US approved new sanctions to punish Pyongyang for conducting the recent nuclear and ballistic missile tests and other malicious activities, including cyber security attacks and human rights violations.

And senior military leaders from the US, South Korea and Japan held trilateral meeting in Hawaii Wednesday, vowing to redouble intelligence sharing in the isolated nation's nuclear and missile threat.

"The senior military leaders also agreed to coordinate further mutual security issues for strengthening peace and stability in the region," a statement from US dealers Read.

lastest execution

The general is the latest in a series of disgraced officials who have been executed by the Kim regime.

In May last year, Hyon Yong-chol, Minister of Defence of the country, was executed publicly after the regime accused him of treason. Reportedly had been killed with a gun against aircraft.

Kim's uncle, Jang Song-thaek, was branded a "traitor for all ages", and executed in 2013.