Okinawa demands end of U.S. forces air-drop practice

The Okinawa Prefectural Government on November 12 requested the U.S. forces in Okinawa and the Naha Regional Defense Facilities Administration Bureau to end air-drop practices at Iejima Auxiliary Airport.

On October 25, a 60kg-supply pack which a transport plane of the U.S. special forces dropped over Iejima Auxiliary Airport landed just 100 meters away from a farmer without the parachute opening.

The Ie Village Assembly on November 4 for the first time adopted a unanimous resolution requesting the end of the air-drop practice.

The Okinawa Prefectural Assembly, adopted a unanimous resolution calling for the end of the practice on November 11.

On the other hand, the U.S. military in Okinawa on the same day notified the Okinawa Prefectural and Ie Village assemblies that it will resume suspended parachuting practices. However, strongly protested by the Ie Village Mayor, the U.S. forces withdrew the decision. (end)