President Ma Ying-jeou says that he has called on government agencies to raise alertness in the face of international terrorism. Ma says he issued the call during a national security meeting last week.
"The National Security Council and Cabinet will implement protective measures that were decided on at the meeting in order to prevent any terrorist attacks – whether internationally or domestically – from impacting our people," said Ma. "We hope that people will not panic. However, if people are traveling abroad, they should be on heightened alert."
Ma made his remarks Wednesday, the same day as new video release by the Islamic State. The video showed Taiwan’s flag alongside the flags of 60 other nations that are opposed to the Islamic State.
Meanwhile, defense ministry official Chen Shao-ming told the legislature’s foreign affairs committee Wednesday that Taiwan has counter-terrorism plans in place. He said that Taiwan’s special forces undergo regularly updated training that includes anti-hijacking operations.