New United Nations (UN) sanctions imposed on North Korea Friday constitute an “act of war” and are tantamount to a “complete economic blockade,” the DPRK foreign ministry said on Sunday, singling out the United States (U.S.) for its role in pushing for the new measures.

Friday’s new sanctions package introduced major limitations on North Korea’s fuel imports, will require all its overseas laborers to return within two years, prohibit food and machinery exports, and grant UN member states increased powers to interdict suspicious DPRK vessels.

“UN Security Council “sanctions resolution” 2397, which is tantamount to complete economic blockade of the DPRK…(is)