US imposes sweeping sanctions on North Korea–Myanmar weapons trade network

The United States has announced sweeping sanctions targeting a weapons trade network involving North Korea and Myanmar, amid growing concerns over military cooperation between the two countries, US Department of the Treasury announced.

In a statement, the US State Department cited increased defence ties following Myanmar’s 2021 military coup, Caliber.Az reports.

The sanctions are directed at five individuals and one entity, including representatives of North Korean government agencies who, according to the Treasury, are "key to the regime’s ability to finance its unlawful WMD (weapons of mass destruction) and ballistic missile programs."

Among the entities named are the Korea Mining Development Trading Corporation (KOMID) and the Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB), both of which the department identified as central actors in Pyongyang’s international procurement and financial operations.

“KOMID and the RGB maintain offices and representatives in numerous countries around the world, setting up front companies to disguise foreign currency earnings, which are then illicitly funneled back to Pyongyang,” the statement explained.

“The arms production and trade network operated by North Korea is illegal and poses a direct threat to the United States and its allies,” said John Hurley, Under Secretary of State for Arms Control.

The announcement follows previous sanctions targeting North Korea’s foreign intelligence agency, as Washington continues to tighten financial and diplomatic pressure on Pyongyang’s military-industrial complex.

By Vafa Guliyeva