Security forces on first-class alert

TOKYO: Japan has mobilized the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) and police troops to tighten terrestrial, marine and aerial security both in the capital of Tokyo and around the location of the G8 summit.

Under the command of Japanese Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba, the Ground, Marine and Air SDF have adopted the first-class alert and are ready to "take all necessary actions."

The one-year old anti-terrorist central rapid-reaction force, which is the top elite force of the SDF and follows direct command of the defense minister, will be put into action for the first time. It is to closely cooperate with the ground SDF to deal with all possible terrestrial terrorist attacks.