PM vows to bolster security following IS threat

Published : Jun 20, 2016 - 13:12 Updated : Jun 20, 2016 - 13:33

Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn said Monday the government will beef up its security measures to tackle any potential terrorist threats, especially amid concerns that the Islamic State may be targeting South Korean citizens and U.S. military bases on its soil.

The National Intelligence Service said IS has been calling for terrorist attacks through telegrams and messaging services by revealing the locations of 77 Air Force installations belonging to the United States and North Atlantic Treaty Organization in 21 countries, and also important individuals associated with them.

The list included U.S. military bases in South Korea, as well as a local civil servant.

Local police patrol nearby the Seoul-based U.S. Embassy on June 19. (Yonhap)

"The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant has been citing South Korea as a potential target for its attacks since last September," Hwang said, adding that Seoul will come up with measures to prevent terrorist attacks from occurring.

The premier added that its counterterrorism center will also beef up its investigations and take every possible step to safeguard the general public. (Yonhap)