JAPAN: The first contingent of Japan's main army deployment to Iraq arrived at its camp yesterday to take part in Tokyo's most controversial and risky military mission since the second World War.
About 80 members of the Ground Self-Defence Force arrived in the southern Iraqi town of Samawa, where they will build a base for up to 1,000 Japanese troops expected in Iraq.
"We have come to help rebuild Iraq," Col Yasushi Kiyota told reporters shortly after the convoy of jeeps, trucks and armoured vehicles pulled into the base emblazoned with Japanese flags.
"I am very tense because this is a serious mission," Maj Itaru Murakami, dressed in camouflage fatigues, flak jacket and helmet, said as the convoy crossed the border from Kuwait in the early morning. "But we are well-prepared."
There is much concern in Japan about the safety of Japanese troops in Iraq. Any casualties could have serious political consequences for Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.
The troops will use their weapons, including Japanese-made submachine guns and anti-tank guns, only in self-defence.
The total deployment is expected to involve up to 1,000 personnel in Iraq and nearby countries. Japanese troops have not fired a shot in combat since 1945 .