18 July 2013
North Korean vessel carrying arms from Cuba held over suspected breach of embargo
It was reported on Tuesday that Panama has seized a North Korean cargo ship carrying weapons from Cuba. Cuba confirmed late on Tuesday that the arms were bound for North Korea but claimed that the missiles, fighter jets and other arms were obsolete defensive weaponry being sent away for repairs.
The seizure came after a violent stand-off between Panamanian marines and North Korean crew members. The vessel is currently held by Panamanian authorities over suspected breach of UN sanctions on North Korea, and Panama has asked UN investigators to inspect the shipment.
Source: The New York Times | Panama Seizes Korean Ship, and Sugar-Coated Arms Parts
Source: The Guardian | Cuba confirms arms bound for North Korea on ship seized in Panama
Source: Fox News | Panama says North Korean arms shipment a matter for the UN