Seven sanctioned North Korean ships broadcast their locations along the DPRK’s northeastern coastline in recent weeks, an indication they have been repurposed to help with flood repairs.

The UN Security Council (UNSC) blacklisted 27 North Korean vessels in March, and most have kept a low profile in the intervening months.

But in recent weeks a group of designated vessels have appeared sporadically in various ports along the country’s northeast, the NK Pro ship tracker shows.

Their presence coincides with an article published by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) over the weekend