Australian frigate HMAS Toowoomba conducts operations to enforce sanctions against North Korea.

According to information published by Australia on November 17, 2023, the HMAS Toowoomba, as part of its regional presence deployment, has been actively involved in supporting the enforcement of United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea.
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Australian Navy's Anzac class frigate HMAS Toowoomba. (Picture source: RAN)

The operation, known as Argos, includes the Toowoomba and its onboard MH-60R helicopter, Valkyrie. Their mission focuses on monitoring and preventing illegal ship-to-ship transfers of sanctioned goods within the Indo-Pacific region.

Lieutenant General Greg Bilton, Chief of Joint Operations, stated Australia's commitment to the enforcement of these UN sanctions, pending substantial steps towards denuclearization by North Korea.

He noted that Australia's participation is part of a broader multinational effort, involving countries like Canada, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These nations collectively support the UN Security Council resolutions through coordinated operations.

Context

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has implemented a series of sanctions against North Korea (DPRK) since 2006, primarily in response to its nuclear weapons development and related activities.

These sanctions encompass a wide array of measures aimed at curtailing North Korea's ability to further its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and to pressure it towards denuclearization. These measures include banning the trade of weapons and military equipment, freezing the assets of individuals involved in the nuclear program, restricting scientific cooperation, and more​​.

However, the effectiveness of these sanctions has been challenged by issues of enforcement and compliance. Some countries have failed to enforce them rigorously, and certain companies have flouted the sanctions. This has led to questions about whether tightening these sanctions would achieve the intended outcome of denuclearization​​.

To combat these violations, the Pacific Security Maritime Exchange (PSMX) was established in 2018. This initiative, supported by the United States and involving partners like Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, focuses on monitoring and disrupting North Korea's efforts to evade sanctions.