U.S. Department of State
To further impede North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missile programs, the Department of State is announcing on December 8 the designation of North Korea’s Strategic Force for its contribution to North Korea’s WMD-related activities. The Strategic Force has been designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13382 (“Blocking Property of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferators and Their Supporters).
The Strategic Force conducted multiple ballistic missile launches during 2014. Specifically, it conducted the launches of two short-range Scud-class ballistic missiles, test-fired two medium-range No Dong-class ballistic missiles, and conducted the launch of a short-range ballistic missile. All missiles had a range of 500km or greater. The launches of these missiles materially contributed to North Korea’s ballistic missile program.
North Korea’s nuclear and missile proliferation activities violate UN Security Council Resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), and 2094 (2013), destabilize the region, and undermine the global nonproliferation regime.
The United States is committed to taking all appropriate actions to impede North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missile programs. We continue to call on North Korea to renounce its pursuit of nuclear weapons and their means of delivery and to choose the path of peace. The United States remains prepared to engage constructively with North Korea if it changes course. However, North Korea must demonstrate its seriousness of purpose and commitment to authentic and credible negotiations by taking meaningful steps to fulfill its denuclearization commitments and respect international law.
