Japan sets up expert panel to tackle CBRNE terrorism risks
The Japanese government on Monday unveiled an action plan to address terrorism involving chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive, or CBRNE, materials, Jiji Press reported.
Under the plan, the government will establish an expert panel to enhance initial responses to CBRNE attacks, strengthen intelligence functions, improve medical care systems, and secure medical supplies.
"We can't rule out the possibility that our country will be a target of terrorism in the future," Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said at a related meeting at the prime minister's office in Tokyo.
He ordered the prompt implementation of the action plan to "protect the people from disasters."
The panel will include doctors, academic experts, former Self-Defense Forces and police officers who were previously in charge of antiterrorism measures. It will advise the government's antiterrorism headquarters, which will be established in the event of a terrorist attack and headed by the prime minister.
A panel of related ministries and agencies will also be set up to collect and analyze information, including on drones and artificial intelligence that could be deployed for terrorism.
Earlier, it was reported that a major earthquake occurred in Ibaraki Prefecture early Sunday morning, rocking eastern Japan areas including Tokyo, and leaving at least 37 injured.