Washington D.C. (CNN) -- Kim Jong Un has further solidified his control over North Korea by reportedly purging his uncle Jang Sung-taek, Vice Chairman of the important Nation Defense Commission. Although Jang was often referred to as the "second most powerful man in North Korea," he may now been ousted from the leadership elite for the third time. He has twice returned to the inner circle of power, but this cat may now have run out of lives. Kim's uncle 'probably' ousted, S. Korean lawmakers say What does the move say about the stability of North Korea? Some experts perceive a weak, embattled Kim feeling forced to fend off challengers. But it is more likely that Kim's purge of Jang -- as well as hundreds of other officials since 2011 -- shows that the North Korean ruler is firmly in control and confident enough to target even the most senior strata of power. Like his father and grandfather, Kim is playing rivals off against each other to eliminate real or perceived challengers.
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Jang Sung-taek was the vice chairman of North Korea's top military body
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Klingner: Shows that leader Kim Jong Un is firmly in control and confident
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Widespread rumors that Jang was defeated in a struggle with personal rivals, he says
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Klingner: Departure of his uncle will have little impact on North Korea policy
Debate rages amongst experts as to why @placeholder felt it necessary to purge his former mentor and protector.
Rather than a struggle to wrest power from @placeholder, the purge may instead result from people fighting for closer access to him.