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North Korea arrests US student for 'hostile act' North Korea arrests US student for 'hostile act'
(35 minutes later)
North Korea says it has arrested a US student accused of committing a "hostile act" against the state.North Korea says it has arrested a US student accused of committing a "hostile act" against the state.
State news agency KCNA identified him as University of Virginia student Otto Frederick Warmbier.State news agency KCNA identified him as University of Virginia student Otto Frederick Warmbier.
He had entered North Korea as a tourist with the intention "to destroy the country's unity", said KCNA, which added that the US government had "tolerated and manipulated" him.He had entered North Korea as a tourist with the intention "to destroy the country's unity", said KCNA, which added that the US government had "tolerated and manipulated" him.
It did not give further details, but said he was now under investigation.It did not give further details, but said he was now under investigation.
An official at the US embassy in the South Korean capital, Seoul, told Reuters it was aware of the arrest.An official at the US embassy in the South Korean capital, Seoul, told Reuters it was aware of the arrest.
Gareth Johnson, the owner of a China-based tour agency, told Reuters Mr Warmbier had been on one of their tours in North Korea and that he was detained on 2 January. North Korea sometimes uses the detention of foreigners as a means of exerting pressure on its adversaries.
"We are in touch with Otto's family, the US State Department and the Embassy of Sweden in Pyongyang and doing all we can to secure his release," Mr Johnson was quoted as saying. Detained on tour
China-based tour agency Young Pioneer Tours released a statement confirming that Mr Warmbier had been detained while on one of their tours in Pyongyang, and said his family had been informed.
It had earlier told Reuters that Mr Warmbier was arrested on 2 January.
"We are in contact with the Swedish Embassy... who are working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to address the case. We are also assisting the US Department of State closely with regards to the situation," it said in the statement.
"In the meantime we would appreciate Otto's and his family's privacy being respected and we hope his release can be secured as soon as possible."
Sweden represents US interests in North Korea as Washington and Pyongyang do not have diplomatic relations.Sweden represents US interests in North Korea as Washington and Pyongyang do not have diplomatic relations.
The student is the third Westerner known to be held in North Korea. Mr Warmbier is the third Westerner known to be held in North Korea.
Hyeon Soo Lim, a Canadian pastor of South Korean origin, was sentenced to life imprisonment in December for an alleged plot to overthrow the governmentHyeon Soo Lim, a Canadian pastor of South Korean origin, was sentenced to life imprisonment in December for an alleged plot to overthrow the government
A Korean-American is also thought to be in North Korean detention on charges of spying.A Korean-American is also thought to be in North Korean detention on charges of spying.
The latest incident comes amid escalating tensions, after the North said it had successfully tested a hydrogen bomb. The claim has not yet been confirmed.The latest incident comes amid escalating tensions, after the North said it had successfully tested a hydrogen bomb. The claim has not yet been confirmed.
A US B-52 bomber flew over South Korea in a show of force days after the test earlier this month.A US B-52 bomber flew over South Korea in a show of force days after the test earlier this month.
South Korea has also resumed propaganda broadcasts over the border, while the North has been dropping propaganda leaflets on the South.South Korea has also resumed propaganda broadcasts over the border, while the North has been dropping propaganda leaflets on the South.