Washington  - North Korea leader Kim Jong Il appears to have suffered health problems that could have been caused by a stroke, a US official said Tuesday.

Kim's failure to appear at a national parade celebrating the 60th anniversary of North Korea further indicates the leader could be undergoing health problems, said the official, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

"It does appear that Kim Jong Il has had a potential serious health setback - potentially a stroke," the official said, adding the ailment probably occurred within the past two weeks.

"It is some indication of the potential severity that he did not attend the 60th anniversary celebration," the official said.

The 66-year-old dictator reportedly has had heart problems and suffers from diabetes. He was last seen in public August 14. A South Korea newspaper reported Tuesday that Kim collapsed last month, citing a South Korean diplomat in Beijing. (dpa)