PM vows to bolster anti-terrorism capabilities

SEOUL, Oct. 6 (Yonhap) -- Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn said Thursday the country will focus its efforts to improve its anti-terrorism capabilities amid rising threats from extremist groups around the globe.

"International terrorists' groups, including the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), have been conducting indiscriminate attacks on various locations like stadiums and streets to claim more lives," Hwang said.

"Following North Korea's fifth nuclear test and missile provocations, there are also possibilities for Pyongyang to conduct an attack amid the grave security conditions," the prime minister added.

Hwang stressed the general public must stay alert and cooperate with the government to better cope with terrorists' provocations.

South Korea currently operates an anti-terrorism center under the prime minister's office after the country's first comprehensive anti-terrorism bill went into effect in June.

colin@yna.co.kr
(END)