Student under manipulation of U.S. government, N Korea says

North Korea said Friday that it arrested University of Virginia student Otto Frederick Warmbier, 21, at Pyongyang airport on January 2 for allegedly committing a “hostile act” against the state.

“[Warmbier] was arrested while perpetrating a hostile act against the DPRK after entering it under the guise of tourist for the goal of bringing down the foundation of its single-minded unity at the tacit connivance of the US government and under its manipulation”.

“We are aware of media reports that a USA citizen was detained in North Korea”, State Department spokesperson Mark Toner said in a statement.

But this is hardly the first time it’s done something like this, and Warmbier is now the third Westerner currently detained in North Korea.

The University of Virginia’s online student directory lists Otto Frederick Warmbier as a commerce undergraduate.

The company’s website says it “provides budget tours to destinations your mother would rather you stayed away from”.

North Korea has a long history of detaining foreigners, and the U.S. and Canadian governments advise against travel there.

So whether you’re looking to compete in the Pyongyang Marathon, experience the spectacular sights of Mt Paektu, ski at the world class Masikryong Ski resort, explore the extreme North East of the country, or visit Rason city-North Korea’s Special Economic Zone, we have itineraries to suit all travelers.

Warmbier is a 2013 graduate of Wyoming High School.

“I’m asking the US or South Korean government to rescue me”, Kim said during an interview at a hotel in the North Korean capital.

An attorney who represented a southwest OH man detained by North Korea for almost six months in 2014 advised caution for those involved with the student.

A U.S. university student has been arrested in North Korea on suspicion of committing an act against the state.

“The objective is very clear”, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Tony Blinken said in an interview with NPR.

The North Korean government has arrested and accused other US citizens of similar charges in the past.

Small American flags have been placed in the trees in front of the Warmbier family home on Friday, Jan. 22, in Wyoming, Ohio.

The United States and North Korea are in a technical state of war because the 1950-53 Korean War ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty.

The group says they are assisting the U.S. State Department closely in this situation.

In 2014, North Korea freed two Americans following a visit to Pyongyang by Director of National Intelligence James Clapper.