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Japanese troops in Iraq to halt operations outside camp
Japanâs Defense Agency said Tuesday it has decided to suspend the activities of Japanese ground troops in Iraq outside their camp in the southern city of Samawah in the wake of growing security concerns following fatal clashes between Iraqis and coalition forces elsewhere in the country. The decision was made after considering that a Shiite religious event will be held around Saturday, Iwao Kitahara, head of the secretariat of the agencyâs director general, told a news conference. The Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) troops will suspend operations outside their camp until the festivities are over. It is the first time since the first contingentâs arrival in Samawah in January that the agency has decided to halt the troopsâ activities for security reasons. ââThe Defense Agency made the decision with the greatest concern possible to ensure the safety of our troops,ââ Kitahara said. The 530-member GSDF contingent in Samawah will, for the time being, suspend operations such as renovating local schools and repairing roads.Posted by: Paul Moloney 2004-04-08 |
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