Islamic militants threaten to ‘cause carnage’ wherever Japanese found

From the Irish Times

Islamic militants have told Japan that its citizens are legitimate targets for attacks following the beheading of journalist Kenji Goto. The threat has been issued on jihadi websites and in a grisly video showing his apparent killing.

Officials in Tokyo say they are taking the threats seriously: Japanese consulates around the world have been issued fresh government warnings, and tourists, businesses and even Japanese schools abroad have been told to be vigilant against possible attacks.

Japan has thousands of civil servants, businesspeople and volunteers in the Middle East, which supplies most of its crude oil. The death of Mr Goto (47), a journalist who had covered the region for years, has stunned the nation. Many had hoped he might return home alive.

Jihadi supporters have taken to Twitter and other social networks to welcome the death and condemn Japan for joining what they called a holy war against IS, which controls swathes of Syria and Iraq. “Japanese will now know the struggle of Islam and the Islamic State and as a result embrace Islam,” said one quoted on the Site Intel Group, which monitors jihadi groups.

Mr Abe has faced criticism for attempting to pull Japan away from decades of quiet diplomacy in the Middle East and taking a more US-led line on militant Islam. The threat to kill the hostages was issued after he promised $200 million in non-military aid to countries fighting IS during a high-profile visit to the region.

“I think Japanese people must be prepared for more threats,” said Tomohiko Taniguchi, an adviser to Mr Abe’s cabinet.