UN imposes new sanctions on North Korea

The United Nations Security Council voted Friday to impose new sanctions on North Korea following its most recent intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test.

The sanctions, unanimously approved by the body, are aimed at significantly weakening the isolated country’s economy. 

The resolution looks to block nearly 90 percent of refined petroleum product exports to the country while ensuring the return of North Korean citizens working abroad within 24 months. 

{mosads}It also aims to limit crude oil supplies to North Korea to 4 million barrels a year.

“It sends the unambiguous message to Pyongyang that further defiance will invite further punishments and isolation,” U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley said after the vote. 

The sanctions come amid rising tensions between Pyongyang and the international community. 

The Trump administration slapped sanctions on North Korea over its nuclear weapons program in November. 

North Korea has ignored numerous warnings from other nations and proceeded with a series of intercontinental ballistic missile tests. The country is believed to have launched its highest ICBM on record late last month.