Massive purge seems imminent in N. Korea: Sankei

North Korea is expanding camps for the detention of political prisoners, Sankei Shimbun of Japan reported Monday.

The North’s move draws attention as it indicates a massive execution is imminent in the reclusive nation, following the execution of former No. 2 man and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s uncle Jang Song-thaek, last December.

The paper reported that the North Korean authorities arrested some 200 ranking officers of the People’s Army for allegedly playing roles in the coup d’etat attempt by Jang. Some 1,000 family members and relatives of the military people were also detained, it added.

“They are currently detained in the No. 14 camp in Gaecheon, South Pyeongan Province, and the No. 15 camp in Yodeok, South Hamgyeong Province,” it said,

The paper added there is high possibility that most of the 200 military figures will be executed while the remaining 1,000 will be put in concentration camps.