Citation

Pangi R. Stud. Conflict Terrorism 2002; 25(6): 421-448.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10576100290101296

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In the early to mid-1990s, a group known as Aum Shinrikyo amassed, and used against innocent civilians in Japan, an arsenal of chemical and biological weapons. Two examples are the use of sarin gas in Matsumoto in 1994 and in Tokyo in 1995. The attacks claimed a total of 19 lives and caused thousands of injuries. A review of the scenario, starting in 1994 and early 1995 with the sarin attacks, reveals potential opportunities to preempt such an attack or to mitigate its effects. The Aum Shinrikyo case study is a good learning tool for policymakers and emergency response professionals seeking to form a coherent domestic preparedness strategy.