Two Self-Defense Forces planes left Japan for Djibouti in preparation for a possible evacuation of Japanese nationals from the Middle East amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. Approximately 120 personnel are on board, while recent evacuations reduced the number of Japanese citizens in Iran and Israel. Japan has raised its travel alert for the region to the highest level, advising all nationals to evacuate and avoid travel.
Two Self-Defense Forces planes took off from Japan on Saturday, heading to Djibouti in eastern Africa. The mission is primarily to prepare for a potential evacuation of Japanese citizens currently in the Middle East, amidst rising safety concerns due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. The C-2 transport planes, departing from Miho Air Base located in Tottori Prefecture, are carrying approximately 120 personnel as confirmed by the Defense Ministry.
These planes will remain on standby at a Self-Defense Forces base in Djibouti, although there are no immediate plans for airlifts since major airports in both Iran and Israel are currently closed. Tensions in the region have heightened following intensified exchanges of attacks between Israel and Iran since Israeli strikes occurred on June 13. The situation escalated further after U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at possibly using military options to pressure Tehran into abandoning its nuclear ambitions.
On the previous day, Friday, the Japanese government successfully evacuated 87 of its nationals and their families. This operation saw 66 individuals moving from Iran to Azerbaijan, while 21 were transported from Israel to Jordan on government-arranged buses, the Foreign Ministry said. Initial reports indicated that around 280 Japanese citizens were in Iran and about 1,000 in Israel before this evacuation.
In a response to the deteriorating situation, Japan issued a travel alert for the entire country of Iran, placing it at the highest Level 4, which instructs nationals to “evacuate and avoid all travel.” As for Israel, most areas have received a Level 3 advisory, which likewise recommends that individuals “avoid all travel.
Such precautionary measures seem to be more pertinent than ever, as the international community continues to monitor the situation closely, particularly with regard to the safety of nationals abroad.
In summary, Japan is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of its citizens in the Middle East by deploying two Self-Defense Forces aircraft to Djibouti. Amid escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, Japanese authorities have heightened travel alerts and facilitated evacuations, signaling a significant commitment to safeguarding its nationals in a tense geopolitical climate. 87 individuals were recently evacuated, highlighting the urgency of the ongoing situation.
Original Source: english.kyodonews.net
