In response to Pyongyang’s latest ballistic missile tests, the United States and Japan have announced new sanctions on North Korea. The Biden administration targeted three individuals who have led organizations linked to the development of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). According to the Japanese Foreign Ministry, Japan imposed sanctions on three entities and one individual for their links with nuclear and missile programs. Meanwhile, South Korea today (2 December) announced additional sanctions on North Korea in response to increased security threats from Pyongyang. Seoul has decided to impose independent sanctions on eight individuals and seven institutions involved in the secretive regime’s nuclear and missile development programs.
“The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today sanctioned three individuals for being officials of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK). These individuals have provided support to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). US The Treasury Department said in a statement, “Development of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missiles.” The measures come in the wake of Pyongyang’s intercontinental ballistic missile launch on Nov. 18, which marks its eighth ICBM launch this year.
Both countries (the US and Japan) say the action is in line with broader multilateral efforts to disrupt the DPRK’s ability to pursue its illegal WMD and ballistic missile programs that threaten regional stability. Brian E. Nelson, Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.
Nelson said, “The recent launches demonstrate the need for all countries to fully implement UN Security Council resolutions aimed at preventing the DPRK from receiving technologies, materials and revenues that Pyongyang needs for its own resources.” There is a need to develop restricted WMD and ballistic missile capabilities.”
North Korea has launched dozens of missile tests since the beginning of this year, on some occasions firing multiple missiles at once. Last month, North Korea launched more than 20 short-range missiles. Pyongyang said its missile tests were in response to “provocations” by the US and its regional allies, South Korea and Japan.
(with agency inputs)