US President Barack Obama has ordered new sanctions against North Korea, citing Pyongyang's "illicit" tests of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, Sputnik reported.
"This [executive order] is part of our response to North Korea's January 6 nuclear test and February 7 launch using ballistic missile technology, and it enables US implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2270 and the North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act of 2016," reads the White House press release.
"These actions are consistent with our longstanding commitment to apply sustained pressure on the North Korean regime. The US and the global community will not tolerate North Korea's illicit nuclear and ballistic missile activities, and we will continue to impose costs on North Korea until it comes into compliance with its international obligations."
The announcement comes on the same day Pyongyang sentenced an American student to 15 years of hard labor for crimes against the state. Washington condemned this decision as being politically motivated.
Earlier this month, the United Nations Security Council adopted its own sanctions against Pyongyang over the DPRK's test of a nuclear device in January and a series of ballistic missile tests. Those penalties were the harshest implemented against North Korea in nearly 20 years.