North Korea Executes Leader’s Uncle, Calling Him ‘Worse Than A Dog’

PYONGYANG, North Korea (AP) — North Korea says it has executed Kim Jong Un's uncle as a traitor for trying to seize supreme power.

Jang Song Thaek was considered the country's No. 2 and had been seen as a kindly uncle guiding young leader Kim Jong Un as he consolidated power.

Pyongyang's statement Friday calls him a "traitor to the nation for all ages," ''worse than a dog" and "despicable human scum." It alleges Jang planned a military coup.

The official Korean Central News Agency indicates that Jang saw the death of Kim's father, Kim Jong Il, in December 2011 as an opportunity to challenge his nephew and win power.

Just days ago, North Korea accused Jang of corruption, womanizing, gambling and taking drugs, and said he'd been "eliminated" from all his posts.