Games in chemical terror alert

2003-08-21 09:25

Daegu, South Korea - Security was heightened around World University Games venues following reports on Thursday that the event could be a target for chemical terror attacks.

Police increased surveillance around venues and stepped up checks on transportation around team accommodation, the environment ministry said in a news release.

South Korea's National Intelligence Service received information that the University Games venues might be possible targets of Islamic extremist groups, said South Korean news agency Yonhap.

Suh Young-tae, an environment ministry official, said there have been no signs of terror and the government's action was just precautionary.

Air traffic over venues has been restricted to regular commercial flights until after the Universiade ends on Aug. 31.

"We have taken the safety measure to prevent airborne terror like the September 11 attacks in the United States," a government statement said.

Games' security chief Choo Jon-ho said organizers had taken all the usual precautions for a major international sports event, but were being extra vigilant on possible chemical attacks.

The World University Games open on Thursday in Daegu, South Korea's third largest city, with more than 7 000 athletes and officials from 170 nations participating.

The United States and Britain, leaders in the campaign against terrorism since the September 11 terror attacks, have large contingents at the Games.

Most of the 136 US athletes and 99 British competitors were expected to participate in the opening ceremonies.

- AP