Official: North Korea Capable of Making Small Nuclear Warhead

The commander of U.S. military forces in South Korea believes North Korea “has the capability” to produce a miniaturized nuclear warhead. And if it’s placed on an intercontinental missile, he added, the device could potentially be launched far enough to reach America’s shores. Still, while the rogue nation has advanced its technology, there’s no evidence it has produced or tested such weaponry, U.S. Army Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti told reporters Friday.

Scaparrotti also said North Korean President Kim Jong Un remains “in charge” of the country despite his recent disappearance from the public eye and speculation about his ability to hold onto power. Scaparrotti believes Kim’s absence was the result of health issues, but did not elaborate. The 31-year-old was spotted Sept. 3 attending a concert and limping before he disappeared from the public eye for about 40 days, according to reports. When he reappeared in a new video, he was seen using a cane — but no official statement was made about his health.

Rice: We Think Kim Jong Un Is Still in Power

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IN-DEPTH

• North, South Korea Border Guards Exchange Gunfire
• North Korea's Kim Jong Un Ends Long Public Absence
• Susan Rice: 'No Indication' of Transfer of Power in North Korea

SOCIAL

— Jim Miklaszewski and Courtney Kube