North Korean ship discharged at the Syrian port of Tartus

The Israeli attack came just three days after a North Korean ship docked at the Syrian port of Tartus, carrying a cargo that was officially listed as cement.

The ship's role remains obscure. Israeli sources have suggested it carried nuclear equipment. Others have maintained that it contained only missile parts, and some have said the ship's arrival and the attack are merely coincidental. One source suggested that Israel's attack was prompted by a fear of media leaks on intelligence indicating that North Korean nuclear personnel were in Syria. here

Japan may patrol straits for North Korean freighters

Destroyers and P-3C patrol aircraft to the Tsushima Strait
Japan plans to inspect cargo to and from North Korea in two sea-lanes close to its territory, in line with UN Security Council sanctions imposed after Pyongyang's nuclear test.
The government is considering deploying several destroyers and P-3C patrol aircraft to the Tsushima Strait near sea borders with South Korea and to waters close to the southernmost islets of Okinawa. here Japan's exports to and imports from North Korea reached about 6.9 billion yen and 14.5 billion yen, respectively. Between January and September, North Korean ships made 578 port calls at Japanese ports. here The Tsushima Strait lies between South Korea and Japan's western coast. Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force would provide information to the United States and other foreign forces deployed in the area if it spots a suspicious ship. here