Japan's air force began its second rotation of personnel aiding humanitarian efforts in neighboring Iraq, bringing 80 Japanese airmen to Kuwait on Tuesday to continue a mission that has stirred controversy back home.
The men arrived at Kuwait International Airport aboard a
commercial flight. A similar number would fly home
Saturday, Maj. Nobutoshi Katada, spokesman for the Japan
Air Self Defense Force, told The Associated Press.
The first rotation took place in April.
An estimated 1,000 men and women from ground, air and navy forces have been involved in the noncombat mission supplying drinking water and repairing infrastructure in the southern Iraqi city of Samawah.
Japanese critics of the mission fear the military
personnel could get caught up in fighting.
In addition, Japan's pacifist constitution greatly restricts military action and special legislation had to be passed to enable the deployment. (Albawaba.com)
© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
