Half-brother of North Korean leader killed in Malaysia

Informed sources in the South Korean government say that Kim Jong Un's estranged half-brother has been murdered in Malaysia. Reuters reported on Tuesday, February 15, that 'Kim Jong Nam' is the elder brother of the North Korean leader, who spent most of his life abroad and had publicly spoken out against his family's regime. The report includes statements from a Malaysian police official who says the circumstances of the North Korean leader's brother's death are still unclear, and therefore his body must be autopsied. According to him, police forces have not yet suspected anyone, but investigations have begun, and the few clues available are being examined. The police official also stated that Kim Jong Nam intended to travel to Macau and had gone to Kuala Lumpur International Airport, where he was ultimately killed. He added that moments before his death, the deceased had requested help and said he felt as if someone was holding his face from behind and pressing it. He was then taken by ambulance to the hospital but died on the way. One South Korean television network reported, citing officials, that the brother of the North Korean leader was poisoned by two women believed to be undercover agents of the North Korean government using a poisoned needle and then fled. Reuters writes that it inquired with the South Korean Foreign Ministry about this, but the ministry stated that it cannot currently confirm this report. Malaysia is one of the few countries that has close relations with North Korea, and their citizens can travel to each other's countries without a visa.