The United Nations has banned four ships from visiting any global port, after they were found violating sanctions imposed on North Korea, the BBC reported on Tuesday.

Hugh Griffiths, co-ordinator of a UN panel on North Korean sanctions, described the move as unprecedented.

The ships were reportedly the Petrel 8, Hao Fan 6, Tong San 2 and Jie Shun.

The UN Security Council expanded sanctions on North Korea last month in response to Pyongyang's sixth and largest nuclear test yet.

The ban was announced following a UN meeting on Monday.

Source: MENA