US sanctions 2 individuals, Russian entity for allegedly aiding North Korea's missile program

By Necva Tastan

ISTANBUL (AA) - The US on Thursday imposed sanctions on two individuals and a Moscow-based company for allegedly assisting North Korea's ballistic missile program.

The US sanctioned two individuals and one entity – Jon Jin Yong, Sergey Mikhaylovich Kozlov, and Intellekt LLC – involved in generating revenue for North Korea’s “unlawful” development of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missiles, the Treasury Department said in a statement.

The action was taken in response to North Korea's attempted launch of a reconnaissance satellite into orbit on August 23, the country's second failed attempt in three months, it added.

The two individuals who have directly supported or helped generate revenue for North Korean organizations linked to the development of WMD, as well as a company owned by one of the individuals, according to the statement.

Treasury Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson stated that the US will maintain communication with South Korea and Japan to counter North Korea's "illicit activities."

Meanwhile, during his daily press briefing, Pentagon spokesperson Brigadier General Patrick Ryder urged North Korea to refrain from launching missiles.

North Korea launched ballistic missiles on Thursday in response to a joint military exercise conducted by the US and South Korea known as "Ulchi Freedom Guardian (UFG)."

On Wednesday, Pyongyang said it fired two tactical ballistic missiles northeastward. The South Korean military said it detected the launches from the vicinity of Sunan in Pyongyang around 11.40 p.m. (1440GMT).

Ryder expressed Washington's commitment to deterring North Korea's "aggression" and called on Pyongyang to refrain from provocative rhetoric and actions.

The exercise, which North Korea deemed a "serious threat" to the country, reportedly included a "tactical nuclear strike exercise" to counter this perceived threat.