Japanese Troops Complete Iraq Assignment
AFP reports that the final batch of Japanese troops returned from Iraq on July 25.
The mission, where 600 Japanese troops helped provide water supplies and medical assistance for residents in Iraq's Muthanna province since January 2004, was the first of its kind since World War II.
During their mission in Iraq, the Japanese troops suffered no casualties and did not fire their weapons. The mission relied on British and Australian troops for protection as the Japanese troops were barred from using force.
Despite the withdrawal of ground troops from Iraq itself, Prime Minister Koizumi has promised to keep operating its Kuwait-based air force mission transporting goods and personnel for the US-led coalition to Baghdad.
AFP continues: "Japan, bidding to expand its global role to more than just a major economic power, has been gradually increasing its military position. It sent troops to Cambodia in 1993 as part of a UN force and dispatched a 1,000-strong force -- its largest since World War II -- to Indonesia and Thailand after the 2004 tsunami disaster."
The mission, where 600 Japanese troops helped provide water supplies and medical assistance for residents in Iraq's Muthanna province since January 2004, was the first of its kind since World War II.
During their mission in Iraq, the Japanese troops suffered no casualties and did not fire their weapons. The mission relied on British and Australian troops for protection as the Japanese troops were barred from using force.
Despite the withdrawal of ground troops from Iraq itself, Prime Minister Koizumi has promised to keep operating its Kuwait-based air force mission transporting goods and personnel for the US-led coalition to Baghdad.
AFP continues: "Japan, bidding to expand its global role to more than just a major economic power, has been gradually increasing its military position. It sent troops to Cambodia in 1993 as part of a UN force and dispatched a 1,000-strong force -- its largest since World War II -- to Indonesia and Thailand after the 2004 tsunami disaster."
posted by Blogmaster | 5:59 AM
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