Japan deploying two defence aircraft for possible Mideast evacuation
TOKYO: (Bernama-Kyodo) Japan will deploy two Self-Defence Forces (SDF) aircraft to East Africa for a possible evacuation of its nationals from the Middle East amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, Kyodo news agency quoted Defence Minister Gen Nakatani as saying Thursday (June 19).
Nakatani told reporters that two C-2 transport planes, carrying about 120 personnel, would be sent to the SDF base in Djibouti to remain on standby.
The move follows a request by Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya earlier in the day. Sources said the aircraft are expected to depart Japan on Saturday.
"The situation in the Middle East has become increasingly strained as Israel and Iran continue tit-for-tat attacks,' Nakatani said, noting that the government is still in the preparatory stage of any evacuation operation.
The ministry is currently determining how many of the approximately 280 Japanese nationals in Iran and 1,000 in Israel wish to leave. Before the aircraft deployment, around 10 SDF personnel were sent to the region to gather information, he added.
Japan also plans to evacuate by bus around 90 nationals and their family members from Tehran to neighbouring Azerbaijan, while those in Israel may be offered a similar route to Jordan, according to a government source.
On June 13, Israel confirmed it had begun targeting Iran's nuclear and military facilities, prompting retaliatory attacks from Tehran. Tensions have escalated further amid speculation that US President Donald Trump may decide to support the Israeli strikes. - Bernama-Kyodo
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