Woman arrested in North Korean assassination plot

Malaysian police have arrested a woman who allegedly helped assassinate Kim Jong Nam, the half brother of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. Two women reportedly attacked Kim Jong Nam yesterday at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. He died on the way to the hospital, but not before telling first responders he’d been sprayed with poison. Malaysian officials say they are conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death. The suspect was traveling with a Vietnamese passport, but police said they hadn’t yet verified its authenticity. Shortly after the attack, South Korea’s intelligence agency said it presumed North Korea was behind the assassination. But analysts aren’t sure why Kim Jong Nam would be a target for his brother. Although initially considered heir apparent, Kim Jong Nam fell out of favor in 2001 after trying to visit Disneyland in Japan, using a fake passport. He has not lived in North Korea since that incident and has shown little interest in the country’s politics. But Kim Jong Un is known for purging potential rivals. In 2013 he ordered the execution of his uncle, Jang Song Thaek, allegedly for treason. Jang was considered North Korea’s second-most-powerful man.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.