Pick a WMD event . using at least three sources include short discussions on the weapon, Who used it, the effects and anything else that found interesting about the incident. You may choose an incident of your own choosing or use one off of the list below
Tpkyo Subway attack
US Anthrax Attacks 2001
Una bomber
Atlanta Olympic bombing
Bombings of abortion clinics in the south
Use of chemical agents on Kurds in Iraq
1984 biological attack Dallas Oregon
killing of Kim Jong Nam
Let’s explore the Tokyo Subway Attack of 1995, a significant event involving a weapon of mass destruction (WMD). Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects:
Weapon
The Tokyo Subway Attack involved the use of sarin gas, a highly toxic nerve agent that disrupts the nervous system by inhibiting an enzyme critical for muscle control. Sarin is a colorless, odorless liquid at room temperature, and exposure can be lethal even in small amounts. When released in a confined space like a subway, it can cause severe casualties.
Who Used It
The attack was carried out by Aum Shinrikyo, a Japanese doomsday cult led by Shoko Asahara. Aum Shinrikyo was a religious organization that combined elements of Buddhism, Hinduism, and apocalyptic beliefs. The cult believed in an impending Armageddon and sought to hasten the end of the world through violent acts.
The Effects
On March 20, 1995, members of Aum Shinrikyo released sarin gas in five coordinated attacks on Tokyo’s subway system during the morning rush hour. The perpetrators carried liquid sarin in plastic bags, punctured them with umbrellas, and fled the scene. The gas spread quickly through the trains, causing widespread panic.
- Casualties: The attack killed 13 people and injured over 1,000, with many suffering from long-term health effects, including vision problems, respiratory issues, and psychological trauma.
- Psychological Impact: The attack caused widespread fear and anxiety across Japan, leading to increased security measures and public paranoia about potential follow-up attacks.
- Legal and Political Consequences: The attack led to a massive police crackdown on Aum Shinrikyo, resulting in the arrest of key members, including Asahara. The Japanese government also enacted stricter anti-terrorism laws and increased its focus on chemical and biological threats.
Interesting Facts
- Cult’s Sophistication: Aum Shinrikyo was surprisingly advanced in its operations, possessing a sophisticated chemical weapons program and even attempting to develop biological weapons like anthrax and botulinum toxin.
- Global Impact: The Tokyo Subway Attack was one of the first instances of mass casualty terrorism using chemical weapons in a modern urban setting, influencing global counterterrorism strategies.
- Legal Aftermath: Shoko Asahara and several other cult members were sentenced to death, and Aum Shinrikyo was officially designated a terrorist organization by several countries.
Conclusion
The Tokyo Subway Attack is a stark reminder of the devastating potential of chemical weapons in the hands of non-state actors. The event not only highlighted vulnerabilities in public transportation systems but also underscored the need for international cooperation in preventing the proliferation of WMDs.
References
- Kaplan, D. E., & Marshall, A. (1996). The Cult at the End of the World: The Terrifying Story of the Aum Doomsday Cult, from the Subways of Tokyo to the Nuclear Arsenals of Russia. Crown Publishers.
- Smithson, A. E., & Levy, L. A. (2000). Ataxia: The Chemical and Biological Terrorism Threat and the US Response. Henry L. Stimson Center.
- Reader, I. (2000). Religious Violence in Contemporary Japan: The Case of Aum Shinrikyo. Curzon Press.