North Korea military chief, ally of new leader, relieved of duty

Kcna Via Kns / AFP - Getty Images

North Korea's military chief of staff Ri Yong Ho is shown earlier this year.

By msnbc.com staff and news services

SEOUL -- North Korea's military chief, a close ally of the reclusive state's new leader Kim Jong Un, has been relieved of all his posts due to illness, the country's official news media said on Monday.

Ri Yong Ho was relieved of all his political posts in the ruling Workers' Party Korea at a politburo meeting on Sunday, including a powerful position as vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, North Korea's official KCNA news agency said. 

Ri, 70, is a career military man who held the rank of vice-marshal, according to South Korean government database.

Ri has been a prominent member of new leader Kim's circle of close political allies. Kim took power after his father Kim Jong-il died last December.

It was not clear who would succeed Ri. North Korea didn't elaborate on Ri's condition or future.

Ri has been at Kim Jong Un's side since the young man emerged as his father Kim Jong Il's successor in 2010, often standing between father and son at major events. That role appeared to deepen after Kim Jong Il's death in December, helping the younger Kim solidify support among the military.

Ri wielded power from his position at the intersection of three crucial institutions: the Korean People's Army, the Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers' Party and the Standing Committee of the party's influential Political Bureau. More >>