U.S. soldier points muzzle of his gun toward Ryukyu Shimpo reporter during training at Naha Port
At 5:32 p.m. on March 31 at the Naha Port Facility in Naha City, an armed soldier points his rifle in the direction of a civilian area from within the military grounds (photograph by John Matsumoto)
April 1, 2022 Ryukyu Shimpo
On the evening of March 31, the U.S. Army stationed in Okinawa conducted guard and protect training at the U.S. military’s Naha Port Facility (Naha Military Port). Armed soldiers carrying guns and guarding a warehouse at the port were observed from along National Route 332. One soldier pointed the muzzle of his gun at a cameraman for the Ryukyu Shimpo, who was taking photographs from outside the military base fence.
The U.S. military issued prior notice about the training to the Okinawa Prefectural Government (OPG) via the Okinawa Defense Bureau, however, no information about soldiers being armed was conveyed.
The OPG sent some personnel to the site to observe the training. According to the OPG, the training was primarily conducted by the U.S. Army’s 835th Transportation Battalion. A spokesperson for the U.S. military explained that this is routine training.
According to observations by the Ryukyu Shimpo, U.S. military police vehicles and transport vehicles were gathered in front of the warehouse at the port, and, whe
Around 5:20 p.m. on March 31 at the Naha Port Facility, armed soldiers engaged in training activities on the facility grounds while holding their rifles at the ready
n approximately 20 soldiers holding their rifles at the ready entered the warehouse, it could be seen that vehicles followed. According to the OPG, a small military transport vessel also approached to moor at the port.
Training involving the flight of MV-22 Osprey from Futenma Air Station was also conducted at the Naha Port Facility in February. At that time, armed soldiers were observed guarding a building from a group who appeared to be acting like demonstrators. (compiled By Manato Akira)
(English translation by T&CT and Erin Jones)
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