The uncle of North Korea’s leader has been executed.

Jang Song Thaek, once considered the second most powerful man in the country, was arrested and tried for treason … that’s according to the official KCNA news agency.

It is not known how the death sentence was carried out or when these photos were taken.

North Korea’s current leader, Kim Jong Un, seen here in civilian clothes, is the grandson of founder Kim Ill Sung.

It had been considered his uncle Jang would help nephew Kim Jong Un establish himself in power.

But this position also made Jang the greatest threat to the young leader.

South Korea says it is watching developments …. the two Korea’s are still officially at war, so any events in the northern state are followed closely.

Euronews spoke to Aidan Foster-Carter, Senior Modern Korea Reseach Fellow.

euronews: No warning, and what has been described as a brutal action. it’s quite a powerful message, it would seem, to send to North Koreans…...

Aidan Foster-Carter: It’s