NORTH Korea dictator Kim Jong-un has ordered a wave of brutal purges in a bid to reassert his grip on power in Pyongyang.
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Executions and imprisonments have been stepped in the reclusive state with Kim’s supporters and allies in the firing line, according to South Korean intelligence.
Defectors have previously revealed Kim remains fearful of having his rule overthrown both by the US and enemies inside North Korea.
Officials from Seoul’s National Assembly Intelligence Committee said the despot is trying to create a “climate of fear”.
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He is believed to have executed one of his generals in charge of anti-aircraft defences in Pyongyang.
And propaganda chiefs in charge of the Rodong Sinmun daily newspaper have also been sent to prison camps.
They are due to “re-educated” after not celebrating a missile launch properly on the front page.
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Kim began his rule with a series of purges, killing his uncle Jan Song-taek with help of his brother Kim Jong-chol.
And he appears to be closing ranks this year as he promoted his sister and ex-girlfirend to top jobs in the party.
Professor Nam Sung-wook of Korea University said: "Kim has resumed the purges to tighten controls amid international sanctions and strengthen unity.”
Former deputy chief of the North Korean embassy in London, Thae Yong-ho, last week spoke out about Kim’s penchant for purges.
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He said Kim feels nervous due to his position as Kim Jong-il’s third son – fearing other regime bosses feel “superior”.
Mr Thae revealed the US could trigger North Korea to collapse from within as the power balance is so delicate.
North Korea has ramped up war fears this year as they repeatedly fired missiles and tested an H-bomb.
Now the rogue state is promising to fire the dreaded Juche Bird – a live nuclear missile into the Pacific.
