Curfew for US troops in Okinawa

[rumpel]

Source: BBC News

The US military has imposed a curfew on its troops in Okinawa amid tensions over incidents involving service personnel, including an alleged rape.

Under the curfew, which began early on Wednesday, troops' movements will be restricted to allow them a "period of reflection", a military statement said.

Thousands of US troops are based in Okinawa, Japan's southern-most island.

Many Okinawans dislike the US presence. The recent alleged rape of a teenager by a US marine has caused outrage.

In 1995 there were mass protests in Okinawa after US troops gang-raped a 12-year-old girl - an incident which raised concerns for the future of the US-Japan security alliance.

Both US and Japanese officials are working to prevent a similar outpouring of anger, analysts say.

'Reflection'

The order for the curfew - which is indefinite and also applies to troops' relatives - came from the top US commander in Okinawa, Lt-Gen Richard Zilmer.

Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7254105.stm

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related from Asahi Shinbun

Tighter rules for U.S. military
http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200802140082.html

[martymar64]

1. Better yet, bring them home

We have no business remaining in Okinawa. The war ended 62 years ago.

[Okinawa]

2. Yep

Agreed Marty.

[martymar64]

3. Konbanwa!

Unfortunately my Japanese only goes as far as greetings. :dunce:

But welcome to DU anyways! :hi:

[Bacchus39]

4. yeah, I don't understand why to this day in Japan and Germany we have troops

stationed given the current strained status of the military and simply the cost of keeping them there.

[CHIMO]

5. No Problem

The SOFA will take care of it all.