UN Security Council unanimously votes to sanction North Korea

The United Nations Security Council reportedly voted unanimously on Monday to increase sanctions against North Korea after the threatening state launched its latest nuclear weapons test earlier this month.

The sanctions resolution, which was drafted by the U.S., signals that the Security Council is stepping up its efforts to pressure Pyongyang to back off its weapons programs, stacking up additional sanctions after also voting unanimously last month to impose severe financial penalties.

{mosads}The resolution takes aim at imports, Bloomberg reported, cutting off refined petroleum products to 2 million barrels a year while also banning textile exports.

The resolution also reportedly gives countries the right to freeze assets of cargo ships if their operators refuse to submit to inspections on the high seas.

The newly added penalties come just one week after North Korea carried out its sixth and largest confirmed nuclear test.

President Trump, who has grown vocally frustrated with China’s failure or refusal to rein in Pyongyang, has repeatedly stated that “all options” are on the table when it comes to dealing with leader Kim Jong Un.

“This regime has signaled its contempt for its neighbors, for all members of the United Nations and for minimum standards of acceptable international behavior,” Trump said in late August after a missile launched over Japan ignited further fear that the country aims to spark a conflict.

Secretary of Defense James Mattis additionally warned the isolated state not to threaten the U.S. or its allies, or it will be met with a military response.