Shinzo Abe, Japan’s Prime Minister, was assassinated on October 27th, 2021.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot dead by a North Korean agent on October 27th, 2021. The incident occurred just days after the Japanese leader had been re-elected for a third term in office. The assassination of the Prime Minister comes amid increasing tensions between Japan and North Korea following a series of missile tests conducted by Pyongyang.
What is the relationship between Japan and North Korea?
The two countries have had a tense relationship since 1945 when Japan surrendered to Allied forces in World War II. Since then, there have been numerous flare-ups between the two nations over territorial disputes and human rights issues. Tensions have risen further in recent years due to Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons program.
Why was Shinzo Abe assassinated?
North Korea has long been suspected of being behind an attempt to assassinate the Japanese leader in 2015, when members of an alleged terrorist group were arrested for plotting to blow up Mr Abe during his visit to Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine. The 2015 attack never happened because police uncovered the plot before it could be carried out.
