Japan Deploys SDF Planes to Djibouti for Possible Mideast Evacuation

Two Self-Defense Forces planes have left Japan for Djibouti as preparations for a potential evacuation of Japanese nationals in the Middle East due to increasing conflict between Israel and Iran. Approximately 120 personnel are on board, while major airports remain closed. The Japanese government has escalated travel advisories to prioritize citizen safety.

Two planes belonging to the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) departed Japan on Saturday bound for Djibouti, a move aimed at preparing for a potential evacuation of Japanese citizens amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East. The conflict, notably between Israel and Iran, has prompted growing safety concerns for nationals in the region.

The Defense Ministry confirmed that two C-2 transport planes took off from Miho Air Base located in Tottori Prefecture, carrying approximately 120 personnel. These planes are set to stand by at a Self-Defense Forces base in Djibouti, although there are no immediate plans for airlifts because major airports in both Israel and Iran are currently closed.

Tensions have sharply increased since Israeli airstrikes on Iran on June 13. The situation further escalated when U.S. President Donald Trump indicated a possible military stance to pressure Iran into abandoning its nuclear ambitions. This ongoing conflict has raised significant alarm over the safety of Japanese citizens residing in the affected areas.

In a related development, the Foreign Ministry reported that on Friday, 87 Japanese nationals and their family members were successfully evacuated. Out of these, 66 individuals were transported from Iran to Azerbaijan, while 21 left Israel for Jordan, facilitated by government-organized buses.

Before the evacuation began, it was noted that approximately 280 Japanese citizens were still in Iran and around 1,000 in Israel, as stated by the Foreign Ministry. Given the precarious situation, Japan escalated its travel advisory for all of Iran to the maximum Level 4, recommending that nationals “evacuate and avoid all travel.” Meanwhile, most of Israel continues to be under Level 3 advisories, which suggest avoiding travel due to safety concerns.

In light of escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, Japan has taken proactive steps to ensure the safety of its citizens abroad. With planes dispatched to Djibouti and a travel alert raised to Level 4 for Iran, the government is closely monitoring the situation. It remains imperative for nationals in the region to heed advisories to ensure their protection amid the ongoing conflict.

Original Source: english.kyodonews.net