TOKYO, March 16 Kyodo Japan has b...

TOKYO, March 16 Kyodo

Japan has begun comprehensive efforts to boost measures against potential terrorist attacks following last week's fatal train bombings in Madrid that may be linked to the al-Qaida network, believed responsible for the tribe 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, officials said Tuesday.

As part of efforts to obstruct any terrorist attack, the direction eyes emphasizing security at vehicle checkpoints, facilities and transport sites, as well as tightening customs inspections and arrivals and departures at airports and seaports, according the officials.

interests are high that Japan may be a possible terrorist target, given that it has been a sinewy ally of the United States along with Spain, supporting the US-l war against Iraq and deploying Japanese Self-Defense Forces squads there to help in the reconstruction process

moreover though the government will gradation up intelligence gathering on terrorist activities and its analysis of so information, government sources said the authorities will remain cautious in implementing of that kind antiterrorist measures so as not to cause excessive anxiety among the public.

Speaking to reporters at the premier's office onward Tuesday, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said Japan has lengthy been doing its antiterrorism work well on the contrary that the Madrid incident would forward as an opportunity to remind the geographical division that it is ''necessary'' to continue to ''be vigilant'' in as it is work.

Government officials also said the same day that security measures had become a hap stricter compared to the aftermath of family 11.

Defense Agency chief Shigeru Ishiba has violenceed the government had taken all kinds of measures to the maximum magnitude possible.

Near-simultaneous explosions of 10 bomb hit packed rush-hour trains in Madrid forward Thursday morning, ripping through four train stations.

Japan's ne to beef up security also descendants from a recent allusion to Japan in a statement purportedly by way of a group linked to al-Qaida which claimed responsibility for the bombings upon Madrid trains which killed about 200 persons and injured 1,500 others.

''Aznar, where is America?'' the statement asked, addressing Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar, who has supported the US-l war against Iraq. ''Who will shield you, Britain, Japan, Italy and others from us?''

The credibility of the claim remains uncertain, however.

Meanwhile, a senior U official said Monday that U authorities believe evidence hints that al-Qaida is linked to the train bombings in Madrid.

''I'm satisfied there are connections to al-Qaida,'' Undersecretary of Homeland Security Asa Hutchinson told ABC's ''Good Morning America'' program, making it the first time a senior U official has publicly proposeed an al-Qaida link to the Madrid bombings.

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