Kim heir wins backing, but may share power

Source: CBS/AP

North Korea has tightened security in cities, put troops on alert and won loyalty pledges from top generals after leader Kim Jong Il's death as it consolidates power behind his anointed heir, South Korean intelligence indicated Wednesday.

Tensions around Northeast Asia have risen sharply as Kim's untested, twenty-something son, Kim Jong Un, rises to power in a country with a 1.2-million troop military, ballistic missiles and an advanced nuclear weapons development program.

According to an unconfirmed report by the Reuters news agency, citing one unidentified source claiming knowledge of North Korean affairs, the young Kim was to share his power with the nation's military commanders and an uncle, Jang Song-thaek.

Reuters reports that Jang, the 65 year old brother-in-law of Kim Jong Il, was appointed to the powerful National Defense Commission in 2009. The late Kim headed the Commission as leader of North Korea's military, but his son will have to share some of his powers with the current Commission heads, including Jang.


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