Source: Kim Jong Il suffered stroke

PYONGYANG, North Korea, Sept. 9 (UPI) -- U.S. officials believe North Korean ruler Kim Jong Il suffered a stroke last month, explaining his absence from a military parade Tuesday, sources say.

An unnamed U.S. intelligence official told The New York Times that although the exact condition of Kim, 66, is unknown, it didn't seem likely the North Korean leader was on the verge of death because no power transfer activities had been detected in Pyongyang.

As the speculation about Kim's health swirled, international observers were waiting to see if a military parade honoring North Korea's 60th anniversary would go on as scheduled. It did, but it was a scaled-back version of Pyongyang's normal celebrations and Kim wasn't seen.

No mention has been made of public appearances by Kim in North Korea's state-run media since mid-August, raising speculation that he may be in ill health, the Times said.

South Korean intelligence officials have said Kim suffers from chronic heart disease and diabetes. The South's largest daily, Chosun Ilbo, reported Tuesday that Kim collapsed in late August but Seoul wasn't able to verify the claim.