Trump signals new sanctions against North Korea

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - The U.S. will impose new sanctions on North Korea, President Donald Trump said Thursday.

Trump confirmed the move in response to a reporter's question on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, but he did not specify when the new measures would be enacted or what they will entail.

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin is expected to brief reporters later Thursday. His department is the main source of the U.S.'s international sanctions, but it is unclear if he will make the announcement when he addresses the media.

During his first address before the world body, Trump struck a militant tone on Pyongyang, saying if the U.S. is forced to protect the homeland or its allies Washington "will have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea.”

The North carried out its sixth nuke test Sept. 3, drawing a ninth UN Security Council resolution since 2006.

South Korea responded positively to Trump's terse warning to its neighbor, with Seoul's presidential office calling it a “firm and specific stance.”

In the wake of repeated North Korean missile launches and latest nuclear test, Trump referred to leader Kim Jong-un as a "rocket man on a suicide mission."

While the U.S. president hoped a military attack would not be necessary as the UN aimed to halt Pyongyang's nuclear weapon development through economic sanctions, Kim's regime is likely to be riled by the threat and lack of respect.