Three North Korean officials sanctioned by US over weapons of mass destruction program

Three North Korean officials connected to the country's WMD program were sanctioned by the US Treasury Department on Thursday.

The penalties were enacted in response to Pyongyang's blitz of missile launches, which included an ICBM launch on November 18 (the country's eighth this year).

"Treasury is taking action in close trilateral coordination with the Republic of Korea and Japan against officials who have had leading roles in the DPRK's unlawful WMD and ballistic missile programs," Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson said in a news release, using the acronym for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"Recent launches demonstrate the need for all countries to fully implement UN Security Council resolutions, which are intended to prevent the DPRK from acquiring the technologies, materials, and revenue Pyongyang needs to develop its prohibited WMD and ballistic missile capabilities," Nelson said.

US sanctions are aimed at three members of the Workers' Party of Korea, Jon Il Ho, Yu Jin, and Kim Su Gil (WPK).

In a separate statement, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that "the European Union (EU) designated all three earlier this year, noting that Jon and Yu both have played a role in the DPRK's WMD programs and have participated in multiple ballistic missile launches, while Kim has been responsible for the implementation of WPK decisions related to the development of the DPRK's unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programs."

"These steps also underscore our sustained resolve to promote accountability in response to Pyongyang's pace, scale, and scope of ballistic missile launches," Blinken said.

South Korea said it would impose unilateral sanctions on eight North Korean people and seven organizations tied to Pyongyang's weapons development program and the circumvention of sanctions in a separate announcement on Friday.

"Our government will continue to strengthen cooperation with relevant countries to ensure a united and strong response by the international community, including additional sanctions, regarding North Korea's grave provocations," South Korea's Foreign Ministry said.

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