US commanders ordered a month-long curfew and alcohol ban for troops in Okinawa, and a 48-hour pause in operations, after a Marine was accused of killing a woman in Naha.
US soldiers stationed on Okinawa have been given a month-long curfew and banned from drinking alcohol while they undergo discipline training, Reuters reported on Wednesday. The order follows an allegation that a Marine murdered and robbed a local woman.
Police suspect Lance Corporal Devin Jacob Ballard, 20, of killing Anna Yagi, 39, in a hotel in Naha on Saturday and taking her wallet and backpack. Ballard denied the allegations, police said. Stars and Stripes reported that police said Yagi died of asphyxiation after Ballard allegedly pressed on her neck.
Lt. Gen. Benjamin Watson said on Tuesday that every interaction with neighbours builds or undermines trust essential to the alliance. He ordered all US military operations on Okinawa paused for 48 hours for training on standards and discipline.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called the killing extremely brutal and heinous. She said she had strongly protested to the United States and demanded steps to prevent a recurrence. Okinawa Governor Genta Koja was due to meet her on Wednesday.
Japan hosts the largest overseas contingent of US forces, and most of the 18,000 Japan-based Marines are in Okinawa. Reuters said the case could complicate plans to relocate some Marines from Futenma to Henoko. The curfew is a command restriction, not a court finding.
People Sentiments Negative
- Sanae Takaichi called the killing extremely brutal and heinous and said she protested to the United States.
- Benjamin Watson said damaged trust affects the alliance and regional security.
- Devin Jacob Ballard denied the allegations, police said.