North Korea hit with sanctions after ballistic missile tests

The US and its Asian allies have imposed sanctions on three North Korean senior officials associated with the country’s recent missile tests.

Pyongyang launched a record number of ballistic missiles more than 60 – this year, and tested several intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Jon Il Ho, Yu Jin, and Kim Su Gil allegedly “played major roles” in developing the weapons.

Japan, South Korea, and the EU have also imposed sanctions.

North Korea has faced tough sanctions imposed by Western countries for years. Under these new sanctions, all US-based assets of North Korean officials will be frozen. They will be barred from any transactions with any business or individual in the US.

“Today’s actions have been taken in close coordination with the Republic of Korea and Japan and further align our policies with our EU partners on the global DPRK threat,” a statement from the US State Department. said.

“These steps also underscore our sustained resolve to promote accountability in response to Pyongyang’s pace, scale, and scope of ballistic missile launches.”

The last missile test happened on 18 November when Japan’s defense minister said North Korea launched an intercontinental ballistic missile with enough range to hit the US mainland. It landed in the sea roughly 210km (130 miles) west of Hokkaido, Tokyo said.

Pyongyang conducted six nuclear tests between 2006 and 2017, and has reportedly completed preparations for a seventh test. Experts believe it may use the opportunity to test a compact nuclear device. They also say North Korea is working to improve its short-range missiles and conventional military capabilities.

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