24 Feb 2017

Kim Jong-nam killing: Toxic weapon found, police say

3:46 pm on 24 February 2017

Police in Malaysia have identified the chemical used in the killing of the half-brother of North Korean ruler Kim Jong-un.

Kim Jong-nam, left, and Kim Jong-un

Kim Jong-nam, left, and Kim Jong-un Photo: AFP

Kim Jong-nam was killed at Kuala Lumpur Airport last week.

He died shortly after two women were seen on CCTV assaulting him and rubbing something in his face.

The police said the chemical had been identified as the nerve agent VX, which is a highly toxic substance used for chemical warfare and classified as a weapon of mass destruction by the United Nations.

Traces of VX were identified in preliminary forensic analysis of the evidence found at the crime scene. Swabs were taken from the victim's eye and face, they said.

Malaysia has not blamed the North Korean state for the death, but says North Koreans were clearly behind it.

Several North Koreans are wanted in connection with the death.

- BBC / RNZ

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