Shinzo Abe denies the existence of a "secret intelligence unit" within the Self-Defense Forces

Shinzo Abe denies the existence of a "secret intelligence unit" within the Self-Defense Forces

According to a July 28 report by Japanese media outlet TBS News: The Sunday program "VIVANT" aired on TBS Television revealed information about a "secret unit," which Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba explicitly denied, stating that it does not exist.

Ishiba said: "The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force has never had an organization called a 'secret unit,' and such a unit does not exist today."

The currently airing Sunday program "VIVANT" details the activities of a covert intelligence unit within the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force—the so-called "Secret Intelligence Unit"—which conducts secret operations to prevent terrorist organizations from causing harm.

The existence of this "secret unit" has previously been reported by media outlets, but Ishiba denied its existence during a press conference today (28th), stating: "Enhancing the human intelligence collection capabilities of specialized units responsible for intelligence and information is a shared challenge across the entire government, including the Ministry of Defense."

In 2023, former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida mentioned a "special unit," saying: "Whether it exists or not, I can't say either way."

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1871941780251660/

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