US Treasury bans North Korean pair

The US Treasury department has issued sanctions against two officials it described as “key leaders” of North Korea’s unlawful weapons programmes.

The sanctions against Kim Jong Sik and Ri Pyong Chol block them from owning any property or interests in property within US jurisdiction. They are also banned from making transactions with American citizens.

Treasury said the men were senior officials in North Korea’s munitions industry department.

Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin said the sanctions were part of American efforts to isolate North Korea.