The sudden dismissal of a close aide of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has perked up ears within the United States government.

Given the North Korean government's opaque and closed system, the U.S. government is closely watching the movements of the North's military and follow-up personnel measures.

However, Washington reportedly does not believe that the dismissal of Chief of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army Ri Yong-ho will soon lead to a power struggle in the communist state.

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said the U.S. will regulate its policy on North Korea by judging the communist state’s actions rather than focusing on “trying to read into personnel moves.”

The U.S. State Department also refrained from unveiling its position on Ri’s dismissal.