Japan extends Iraq mission

Japan, a close Washington ally, backed the US-led invasion of Iraq and provided ground troops for a non-combat, humanitarian mission in the southern Iraqi city of Samawah in 2004.

 

It withdrew ground troops in July 2006, and has since expanded its Kuwait-based air operations.

 

The Iraq mission is part of Japan’s bid to boost its international profile.

 

In October, Tokyo approved a one-year extension of its naval mission in the Indian ocean to support US-led troops in Afghanistan.

 

Critics say the operations violated the country’s pacifist constitution which prohibits the use of force in settling international disputes.