Cabinet approves plan for SDF dispatch to Iraq

The Koizumi Cabinet on December 9 approved a plan for dispatching Japan's Self-Defense Forces to Iraq in defiance of strong public opposition.

Later in the day, Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo and JCP Secretariat Head Ichida Tadayoshi took to the streets in front of JR Shinjuku Station in Tokyo and JR Tennoji Station in Osaka respectively to call on the public to oppose the SDF dispatch to Iraq.

Invoking the Special Measures Law on Iraq, the SDF will provide military support in the name of "restoration of civil order" in Iraq (led by Britain and the United States) as well as "humanitarian reconstruction assistance". The SDF will transport weapons, ammunition, and personnel; give medical attendance to wounded soldiers; construct a field hospital; and resupply occupation troops in combat.

The "restoration of civil order" includes military operations such as mop-up operations by the United States and Britain against resistance forces, the government explained.

The Ground SDF will be deployed in southeast Iraq, armed with recoilless rifles, portable antitank munitions, armored personnel carriers, and light armored vehicles. The Air SDF in C130 transport aircraft will be deployed at air facilities in Kuwait and Iraq. The Maritime SDF in transport and escort vessels for SDF troops and equipment will be deployed on the Indian Ocean.

This is going to be the first time for the SDF to be sent abroad with such an array of weapons. (end)