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| China-Japan-Koreas |
| Korean Shipping Firms on Terror Alert |
| 2004-07-12 |
| Korean shipping companies are on alert following threats from an Islamic militant group. According to intelligence reports, the group is threatening to blow up ships including those operated by Korean firms if they are found carrying materials for the U.S. military. The National Intelligence Service said on Friday it has learned that terrorists are planning to blow up ships transporting U.S. military supplies and is following up on the lead. The agency says it is unclear for now if the threats are linked to the al-Qaida terror network. The government has warned all six Korean shipping firms with vessels running routes to the Middle East to be on high alert for possible sabotage attempts. According to industry sources though no Korean shipping firms are involved in delivering shipments for the U.S. military at present. The warning comes while Korea prepares to send off two 25,000 ton ships loaded with materials and equipment for the Zayitun unit, the contingent of some three thousand Korean soldiers which will be sent on a reconstruction mission to northern Iraq. The Navy is planning to escort the two ships while authorities are stepping up security at domestic ports. Fears over terrorism have mounted in Korea since the gruesome killing of a Korean civilian late last month near the Iraqi city of Fallujah. |
| Posted by:Mark Espinola |