WASHINGTON (REUTERS) - The US Treasury on Thursday (June 1) said it sanctioned three people and nine companies or other entities including the Korean People's Army under authorities related to North Korea and its programme to develop weapons of mass destruction.

The Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control added the people and entities to its list of specially designated nationals, which enables it to block their assets and prevent US citizens from dealing with them.

The people and entities were based in several countries, including Russia and China.

(This story is developing)