UN Security Council expands North Korea sanctions after missile tests

The UN Security Council has expanded targeted sanctions against North Korea in response to a series of missile tests conducted by Pyongyang this year. 

The measures impose a travel ban and asset freeze on four entities and 14 officials, including the head of North Korea's overseas spying operations. The council voted unanimously to back the sanctions after weeks of negotiations between the US and China. Pyongyang has defied a UN resolution banning all nuclear and missile



tests.

The sanctions resolution was adopted by the 15-member council yesterday. Among the 14 North Korean officials is Cho Il-u, who leads Pyongyang's foreign espionage operations. 

The other blacklisted officials are senior members of North Korea's Workers' Party and heads of trading firms funding Pyongyang's military programme. North Korea's strategic rocket force, the Koryo Bank and two trading firms were also added to the list.