Kim Jong-Un’s death could spark war with US, experts warn as Dennis Rodman reveals he’s praying for ‘ailing’ dictator
KIM Jong-Un's death could force the US and South Korea into military action which would "make Afghanistan and Iraq pale in comparison", experts warn.
They fear the power void left behind by the despot's demise may erupt into an ugly civil war involving rival military units within the mighty North Korean army.
Regional observers say any chaos sparked in the wake of Kim's death could then lead to an intervention by the South and it's powerful ally America.
On Tuesday it was claimed it was not known if Kim was "dead or alive" following reports he had undergone secret heart surgery.
One senior White House reporter said she had been told Trump officials were already looking into who would be in line for succession.
However, both South Korea and China later said they believed reports he was in "grave danger" were unfounded.
"This will lead to internal conflict among units and could escalate to widespread civil war."
And he fears the bloodshed in the nuclear state could lead to South Korea being forced into action dragging the US into the fight.
"There is still so much work we have to do between both the USA and DPRK," he added.
"If he is not feeling well, I am praying for his speedy recovery, so that both my friends (President Trump & Marshal Kim) can continue towards a peaceful success."
The former Chicago Bulls legend has a long-standing a bizarre friendship with the North Korean leader.
In 2013, he hosted a series of basketball exhibitions in the rogue state and was the first American citizen to personally meet Kim.
Describing his bromance, Rodman once told Good Morning Britain: "I hang out with him all the time.
"We laugh, we sing karaoke, we do a lot of cool things together like skiing and riding horses."
North Korea's supreme leader, 36, missed the celebration of his grandfather Kim Il-sung's birthday on April 15, first sparking speculation about his health and was last seen on April 11.
It has been claimed he is currently recovering at a villa in the resort town of Hyangsan after undergoing a ";cardiovascular surgical procedure" on April 12.
Kim's health had deteriorated in recent months due to heavy smoking, obesity, and overwork.
However, reports coming out of the rogue state today appear to challenge rumours Kim is either dead or incapacitated.
State media claimed he had thanked Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for his good wishes on the birthday anniversary of the country's founder.
"Kim Jong-Un expressed his deep thanks to the president of the Syrian Arab Republic for sending his heartfelt message of greeting, reflecting the warm respect for president Kim Il-sung, who is always alive in the hearts of the Korean people," stated KCNA.
However it did not address the escalating rumours about the "Glorious Leader's" health.