Japan to Dispatch SDF to Middle East Independently

Tokyo, Oct. 18 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government Friday decided to consider dispatching Self-Defense Forces vessels and patrol planes to the Middle East independently as part of its efforts to secure navigation safety in the region. The decision was made at a meeting of the National Security Council at the prime minister's office, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a press conference. The envisioned operations would be treated as investigation and research activities stipulated in the law for the establishment of the Defense Ministry. The government will also consider utilizing the existing unit to combat pirates dispatched to the Gulf of Aden off Somalia. "Japan will not participate in a U.S-proposed maritime security initiative but will engage in activities on its own," Suga said. The government will consider covering mainly the Gulf of Oman, the northern Arabian Sea and the eastern side of the Strait of Bab-el-Mandeb between Yemen and Djibouti. Japan's activities would avoid areas around the Strait of Hormuz, in order not to provoke Iran. Suga cited "bolstering information-gathering systems" as the purpose of the envisioned dispatch. The current situation does not require protection of private vessels by SDF ships, but the government "will consider further steps if necessary," he said. Tensions are running high in the Middle East due to deteriorating U.S.-Iran relations after the United States withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal last year. In June this year, a tanker operated by a Japanese shipping company was attacked. Japan has tried to ease tensions through peaceful means. But the situation is escalating further. Saudi Arabian crude oil facilities sustained attacks in September, while an Iranian tanker was attacked earlier this month. Against the background, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe judged it necessary to make active contributions to securing navigation safety in the Middle East as a country that heavily relies on oil from the region. The government Wednesday dispatched Takeo Mori, senior deputy foreign minister, to Iran to gather information. END