According to Brian Hook, Director of Political Planning of the US State Department, Pentagon military personnel continue to consider all possibilities to prevent the penetration of goods into the DPRK and their export from the country. It is through illegal trade, which is conducted with a number of countries in spite of sanctions, and the development of Pyongyang's nuclear program continues.

Washington plans to begin introducing regular sea patrols in the DPRK's water area, such measures would help cut North Korea's access to resources.

Recall that in December, the UN Security Council imposed another targeted sanctions and restrictions on the supply of fuel, gas and oil to North Korea, as well as textiles.

As reported in URA-Inform, former US Defense Secretary James Mattis said that Pyongyang's ballistic missiles could never reach Washington.