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Japan could become next terror target, Ishiba says

Japan's defense chief yesterday urged tougher anti-terrorist measures following the deadly bombings in Madrid, and a top government spokesman vowed to close any loopholes in Tokyo's security plan.

It wasn't clear who carried out the bombings in Spain, which killed more than 190 people and injured 1,400 people. Although the government initially blamed Basque separatists, a group claimed responsibility in the name of the al-Qaeda terrorist network.

Like Spain, Japan is a firm supporter of American anti-terrorism efforts and the US-led invasion of Iraq. Despite domestic opposition, Tokyo is dispatching some 1,000 troops on a humanitarian mission in the southern Iraqi city of Samawah.

Japan last month tightened security at hundreds of airports, nuclear plants and government facilities to guard against possible terror attacks, putting the country on its highest level of alert since Iraq was invaded in March last year. Last November, an alleged al-Qaeda operative threatened to attack Tokyo if it sent troops to Iraq.

Asked about the Spain bombings, Defense Agency Director Shigeru Ishiba told reporters yesterday that additional security steps could be taken in Japan.

"Related authorities must coordinate closely and we should further step up our measures to prevent a terror attack like this from happening in our country," Ishiba said, though he did not recommend specific moves.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda said there were no immediate plans to change Japan's security stance, but he suggested that officials were reviewing their measures to see if further steps were warranted.

"If there is any new aspect that we were unaware of before, then we will respond to that accordingly," he said.

"Terrorists try to seek opportunities even if we are prepared, so we must be watchful," Fukuda said.

Prime Minister Koizumi also urged caution.

"We have to be careful," he told reporters. "Terror attacks are happening all over the world, and it could happen anywhere."

The Foreign Ministry also issued an alert late Thursday to Japanese traveling to and living in Spain, urging them to avoid crowded areas or places that could be terror targets.
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