Japan to extend post-9/11 naval mission in Arabian Sea by six months

WAR.WIRE

Japan to extend post-9/11 naval mission in Arabian Sea by six months
TOKYO (AFP) Oct 25, 2004
Japan decided Monday to extend by six months its naval deployment in support of US-led forces in the Arabian Sea which was launched after the September 11, 2001 attacks, officials and news reports said.

The deployment which was due to be completed at the end of October will be extended until May 1 and include new missions such as providing fuel to helicopters and drinking water to personnel, Japanese media said.

Japanese supply ships have been refuelling naval vessels from the United States, Britain and eight other countries.

A defence agency spokesman said the decision would be announced Tuesday.

"Senior government officials concerned held a security meeting today and decided to alter our basic plan" on refuelling, the spokesman said.

Japan passed a law two months after the September 11 attacks on the United States to enable logistical support for the US-led "war on terror". Japan has also been a key provider of financial aid to Afghanistan.

Pacifism is enshrined in the constitution of Japan, which took a historic step by deploying troops to Iraq, albeit on a non-combat humanitarian mission.