Air Force checks anti-terror readiness of military-private airports

The South Korean Air Force said Tuesday it has inspected the anti-terror preparedness of six civilian airports that share runways with the military.

In the eight-day emergency inspection that ended on Tuesday, the Air Force examined the readiness posture of the airports in Gwangju, Gimhae, Daegu, Cheongju, Sacheon and Wonju.

The security inspection came amid a heightened terrorist attack alert in the wake of North Korea's recent threats to launch strikes on South Korea and specifically Cheong Wa Dae, the presidential office.

The government has repeatedly warned of the possibility of North Korea launching terrorist attacks in the southern areas of South Korea.

The week-long examination looked into the maintenance of aviation control radar, air control tower and runway facilities at the airports, according to the Air Force. 

It said special counter-terrorism forces will be dispatched in the event of an attack on an airport to suppress terrorists. Bomb disposal squads, biological and chemical weapons cleanup teams, and emergency service personnel are to be made available if the need arises.

The military plans to conduct a regular security inspection at the airports four times every year, increasing its frequency from the current twice-a-year inspections. 

It will also introduce infrared surveillance cameras and closed-circuit televisions to intensify surveillance of the airport areas, the Air Force added. (Yonhap)