Report: North Korean Soldiers Killed During Recent Military Shakeup

OK, we already know that Kim Jong Un was named Marshall of the Korean People’s Army after the ouster of army chief Ri Yong Ho in a recent purge. Now a report has surfaced that makes that move even more alarming. From ABC Sydney:

The South Korean government is investigating unconfirmed intelligence reports that a gun battle, leaving between 20 and 30 soldiers dead, broke out when the North Korean regime removed army chief Ri Yong-ho from office.

The Chosun Ilbo, a South Korean daily newspaper, reported that some intelligence analysts believe Mr Ri, who has not been seen since his abrupt sacking earlier this week, was injured or killed in the confrontation.

Citing South Korean government officials, it said the gun battle erupted when vice marshal Choe Ryong Hae, director of the People’s Army General Political Bureau, tried to detain Mr Ri while carrying out North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s order to sack him.

Guards protecting Mr Ri, who was a vice marshal, apparently opened fire.

“We cannot rule out the possibility that Ri was injured or even killed in the firefight,” one source said.

If this report turns out to be accurate, that would prove he is very much his father’s son and should pretty much destroy any hope that Kim Jong Un might turn out to be a  more moderate or reasonable leader. North Korea and the rest of the world are likely in for more of the same there.