Security Beefed Up at Universiade after Terror Warning

Security officials are now on full alert against a possible terrorist attack on the Universiade 2003 in Daegu.

According to the Ministry of Environment (MOE) on August 21, the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) issued a warning that terrorist groups led by Islamic extremists might target this year`s world university games.

Related government agencies, therefore, held a series of meetings led by NIS to craft due measures.

MOE, in particular, has opened an emergency operation unit at the Daegu Environment Agency to immediately respond to a possible attack or incident involving chemical substance.

The unit will provide essential information, including causes of an incident, protection and prevention measures, to fire stations, military units and the police in the area.

The ministry also directed local police authorities to increase security in 253 toxic chemical-processing facilities and 107 water facilities. It also warned the authorities not to allow passage of vehicle carrying toxic materials around stadiums.

˝We set safety measures ahead of an international event, but this time we are especially beefing up security against a chemical attack,˝ said an official at the ministry.

Kyung-Joon Chung news91@donga.com