Chapter 5: Maintaining Public Safety and Disaster Countermeasures

Section 1: International Terrorism and Countermeasures

## 1 International Terrorism

## (1) Terrorist Threats to Japan

In May 2011, the former leader of Al-Qaeda Osama bin Laden, was killed in a U.S. operation. However, his successor, Ayman al-Zawahiri has declared the continuation of jihad against countries in Europe and the USA. In addition, other Al Qaeda related organizations still retain their potency. Amidst this, Japan has often been named as a target for terrorism, and the threat of terrorism remains high.

## (2) North Korea

As of May 1, 2012, the police have determined thirteen suspected cases of abduction by North Korea involving 19 victims, and are acting on international arrest warrants issued against eleven North Korean operatives involved in eight abduction cases. In addition, with the understanding that there are cases other than the aforementioned cases for which the possibility of abduction by North Korea cannot be ruled out, the police are conducting thorough investigations into accusations and indictments, etc. related to these cases.

## 2 International Terrorism Countermeasures

In an effort to prevent acts of terrorism, the police are taking measures such as gathering and analysing information through coordination with overseas security intelligence agencies, implementing administrative measures towards distributors of chemical substances that can be used as materials for explosives, implementing border controls at international ports and airports, and promoting vigilance and security at important facilities. In addition, the police are working to improve their response capability in the event of a terrorist attack by implementing daily training for units such as the Special Assault Team (SAT), the Anti-Firearms Squad and the Counter-NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) Terrorism Squad.

Column: Terrorism Countermeasures at Nuclear Facilities

There are concerns that the loss of cooling functions, as was seen in the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, can occur as a result of obstructive or destructive actions taken by terrorists and other criminal groups as well as natural disasters. Consequently, in addition to conventional vigilance and security activities, etc. The police are taking all possible measures to prevent terrorist attacks on nuclear facilities by enhancing the human resources, materials/equipment and other matters.

Offshore security

Section 2: Foreign Affairs and Related Measures

In North Korea, following the death of Chairman Kim Jong-il, Kim Jong-un became First Chairman of the National Defense Commission. Kim Jong-un clearly stated that North Korea would continue its military-first policy and emphasized his legitimacy as the ruler through propaganda activities. In April 2012, North Korea went ahead with a missile launch disguised as a satellite launch, which resulted in the UN Security Council adopting a strongly critical Chairman’s statement.

To preserve national interests, police are striving to gather and analyze information related to various operations undertaken by North Korea and other nations and the illegal export of materials related to weapons of mass destruction, and are maintaining a stance of strict enforcement against any illegal activities.