The Japanese Air Self-Defense Force has dispatched two transport planes to Jordan and Greece to possibly evacuate about 50 Japanese nationals from Lebanon, amid increasing hostilities between Israeli forces and Hezbollah. The operation is part of Japan’s broader strategy to ensure the safety of its citizens abroad while maintaining diplomatic relations in the Middle East.
On Thursday, two aircraft from Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) departed the Miho Air Base in Tottori Prefecture, destined for Jordan and Greece, in anticipation of a potential evacuation of Japanese nationals residing in Lebanon amidst escalating tensions in the region. The Japanese Defense Ministry has indicated that there are approximately 50 nationals currently in Lebanon, in light of the recently deteriorating situation involving confrontations between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group. Following an order from former Defense Minister Minoru Kihara on September 27, the Defense Ministry established a joint task force comprising 500 personnel to facilitate the mission of these C-2 transport planes. The ministry is also coordinating with other nations to secure the necessary flight permissions through their respective airspaces. The conflict in Lebanon has intensified, marked by Israeli ground operations against Hezbollah—the first of such incursions since 2006. These operations come on the heels of lethal detonations targeting Hezbollah members and Israeli airstrikes on their Beirut headquarters, resulting in the death of Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah. In response, Iran conducted ballistic missile strikes against Israel, heightening tensions in the region. Japan has a historical reliance on crude oil imports from the Middle East, informing its diplomatic approach, which emphasizes a balanced relationship with both Arab nations and Israel, the latter being a key ally supported by the United States. Over recent months, Japan has enacted airlift operations for its citizens a total of eight times, including two such missions from Israel following a surprise attack from Hamas last year.
The ongoing unrest in Lebanon has roots in longstanding regional conflicts, particularly between Israel and Hezbollah, which has received backing from Iran. The situation has escalated recently, with both sides engaging in hostilities. Japan, wary of potential ramifications given its reliance on Middle Eastern oil, has prioritized finding a diplomatic balance in its foreign affairs while ensuring the safety of its nationals abroad. The Japanese government has a precedent for airlifting citizens from conflict zones, having conducted various operations in the past year alone.
In summary, two Japanese ASDF aircraft have been mobilized to potentially evacuate citizens from Lebanon as regional tensions escalate. Japan is responding to the urgent security threats posed by the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah while maintaining its tradition of balanced diplomacy in a geopolitically sensitive area. The establishment of a dedicated task force highlights Japan’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being of its nationals during international crises.
Original Source: english.kyodonews.net
