The United States reportedly has extensive plans in place for dealing with North Korea should leader Kim Jong Un suddenly die.
The contingency plans take into consideration a wide array of different issues that could occur if North Korea’s leadership is thrust into a scenario without a dynastic ruler such as Kim, who is the third leader of the hermit nation after his father, Kim Jong Il, and his grandfather, Kim Il Sung.
An intelligence official told Fox News on Tuesday that there is a possibility for a massive humanitarian crisis, which could lead to a mass exodus of starving North Korean refugees over the border and into China in search of food.
The U.S. would then lean on China to help manage the situation and assist those in need. China has one of the closest relationships with North Korea and would have an easier time than the U.S. overcoming logistical obstacles related to ground-based assistance.
News reports began to emerge Monday night that Kim was in “grave danger” following surgery. South Korea and U.S. intelligence communities are monitoring the situation, but reports suggested South Korea has seen no indication that Kim’s health is failing.
The dictator’s surgery was reportedly a cardiovascular procedure. Kim, 36, is morbidly obese and a heavy smoker, both factors that can lead to heart and overall health issues. His absence at the country’s most important national holiday last week also caused analysts to speculate about his well-being.
National security adviser Robert O’Brien said Tuesday that the U.S. was “very closely” monitoring the reports and keeping a “close eye” on the situation.
Kim has no predetermined successor, but there has been recent speculation that his sister, Kim Yo Jong, might be on the shortlist.
