Australia to Conduct Thirteenth Round of Surveillance Operations Targeting Illicit Maritime Activities

Australia will conduct monitoring and surveillance operations against illicit maritime activities, including ship-to-ship transfers with North Korean-flagged vessels, from early to mid-February.

These actions align with United Nations Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs) and will be carried out using aircraft from Kadena Air Base under the Agreement Regarding the Status of the United Nations Forces in Japan.

This marks the thirteenth such operation since 2018. Japan supports these efforts to enforce UNSCRs, aiming to ensure the complete dismantlement of North Korea's weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles.

Japan Coast Guard and Maritime Self-Defense Force will also gather information on suspected violators. Collaboration with Australia and other international entities continues.