US lifts some restrictions against troops in Japan
The United States Navy has removed certain restrictions against American troops stationed in Japan despite protests against the behavior of US forces in the Asian country.
The US Naval Forces of Japan said in a statement that American sailors in Okinawa Island are now allowed to leave their base there.
The restriction was imposed Monday following the weekend arrest of a US sailor for drunken driving. The 21-year-old naval officer from the base was arrested because she caused a “serious three-car accident with injuries.”
The latest statement, however, added that a ban on alcohol consumption remains in place for the troops.
This comes as anger is still high among residents of Okinawa over a number of recent crimes by the US service members in the island.
Public outrage against the base was particularly intensified in May after a former US Marine and a base employee was arrested in connection with the death of a 20-year-old local woman whose body was abandoned by the culprit.
The arrest prompted officials to impose a month-long night-time curfew on US forces based on the island, as part of a “period of unity and mourning” over the killing.
The murder led to widespread protests in Japan and a final apology from the US, with Pentagon chief Ashton Carter extending “sincere” apologies to his Japanese counterpart last month over the death of the local woman in Okinawa.
The island, which was the site of a World War II battle, is home to some 30,000 US military and civilian personnel under a decades-long security partnership.
US boat strike kills another person in eastern Pacific
US intercepts another tanker off Venezuela as Washington escalates pressure campaign against Caracas
US launches ‘retaliatory strikes on Daesh targets’ in Syria amid controversy over intervention
US boat strike kills another person in eastern Pacific
VIDEO | Press TV's news headlines
Pro-Israel group names Tucker Carlson ‘Antisemite of the Year’ over genocide criticism
Sudan’s PM urges UNSC to endorse initiative to end war
Palestinian women beaten, humiliated in Israeli prison: Rights group
Explainer: 15 seconds that save lives: Inside Iran’s world-first cancer surgery breakthrough
VIDEO | London Jewish bloc holds Hanukkah action for Palestinian liberation
Israel kills two Palestinians in Gaza City amid repeated ceasefire violations
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
