U.S. Blocks North Korean Missile Shipment

A U.S. Navy destroyer intercepted a North Korean ship suspected of carrying missiles and other weapons to Myanmar, according to the New York Times.

The Times said in an article published yesterday that a maritime standoff began in the South China Sea two weeks ago with the American military vessel blocking the passage of the North Korean cargo ship, the M/V Light.

Washington made no announcement about the operation, which paralleled a similar, far more public confrontation with North Korea two years ago. But in response to questions about what appears to be a growing trade in missiles and missile parts between North Korea and Myanmar — two of the world’s most isolated governments — American officials have described the episode as an example of how they can use a combination of naval power and diplomatic pressure to enforce United Nations sanctions imposed after the North’s last nuclear test, in 2009.

The Times called the incident a “rare victory” and noted that a similar missile shipment made it to Myanmar last year before the U.S. could act.