Barack Obama sanctions North Korea for nuclear, missile tests

President Barack Obama. Photo / AP

President Barack Obama is imposing new sanctions against North Korea in response to recent "illicit" nuclear and ballistic missile tests.

White House press secretary Josh Earnest announced the president's decision today.

White House press secretary Josh Earnest. Photo / AP

Earnest says the new unilateral sanctions will allow the U.S. to implement sanctions unanimously agreed to by the U.N. Security Council.

North Korea said it tested a hydrogen bomb in January. It followed that with the launch of a ballistic missile last month.

Earnest says the new sanctions are consistent with a longstanding commitment by the U.S. to keep pressure on North Korea. He says the U.S. and its allies will continue to impose costs on North Korea until it meets its international obligations.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Photo / AP