SEOUL: The United States Treasury Department announced new sanctions on Friday (Saturday in Manila) after North Korea had tested parts of its biggest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in two recent launches, a sign it is likely to fire that weapon soon to put a spy satellite into orbit in what would be its most significant provocation in years.

The agency cited the March 4 ballistic missile launch in unveiling restrictions against three Russian-based entities that aided the ongoing development of North Korea's military capabilities. The companies are Apollon, Zeel — M and RK Briz; two individuals tied to those firms will also be sanctioned.