Gov't urges vigilance over al-Qaida terror threat on Tokyo

TOKYO � Law enforcement authorities began gathering more information concerning reports Monday that the al-Qaida network is planning terrorist attacks in Japan, while government leaders called for vigilance and caution.

In the statement, Abu Mohammed al-Ablaj, purporting to be an al-Qaida leader, warned the Japanese against sending troops to join the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq.

"If they want to destroy their economic power and be trampled under the feet of the combatants of Allah, let them come to Iraq," he said. "Our strikes will reach the heart of Tokyo."

However, the authorities said they have no plan at this stage to step up security, adding they have not received any concrete information on terrorist groups planning to carry out attacks in Japan.