Japanese police detained the 27-year-old service member assigned to Kadena Air Base at around 3:09 a.m. while driving in Okinawa City. Authorities are investigating whether the incident breached recent restrictions that prohibit all service members from drinking alcohol outside their homes between midnight and 5:00 a.m. The arrest threatens to complicate diplomatic ties just as new prevention measures were enacted to address local outrage over an American Marine's alleged involvement in a recent murder.
Key points
The officer was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving just one week after bilateral prev…: The officer was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving just one week after bilateral prevention agreements were finalized.
Offenses committed by military personnel continue to inflame public sentiment and strain…: Offenses committed by military personnel continue to inflame public sentiment and strain diplomatic relations between Tokyo and Washington.
A majority of the approximately 54,000 American troops stationed in Japan are concentrate…: A majority of the approximately 54,000 American troops stationed in Japan are concentrated on the island of Okinawa.
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The arrest comes just a week after Tokyo and Washington agreed to measures aimed at preventing crimes by US service members on the island after a murder allegedly involving an American Marine triggered outrage.
TOKYO: Japanese police arrested a United States Air Force captain Saturday (Nov 14) on suspicion of drunk driving in Okinawa, a police spokesman said, in the latest twist to strains between the Pacific allies.
The arrest comes just a week after Tokyo and Washington agreed to measures aimed at preventing crimes by US service members on the island of Okinawa after a murder allegedly involving an American marine triggered outrage.
The US military has around 54,000 personnel stationed in Japan, mostly on Okinawa. Crimes committed by its members have been a thorn in relations between the close security allies.
US officials also said last week they would extend a curfew to lower-ranking service members through Dec 7, while banning all service members from drinking alcohol outside their homes between midnight and 5am.
Police arrested the 27-year-old as he "was driving on a road in Okinawa City…
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The apprehension came mere days after Tokyo and Washington instituted new measures to curb base personnel crimes following public fury over a separate murder case. With a majority of the 54,000 American military troops based in Japan stationed on the island, recurring criminal offenses continue to exacerbate deep-seated bilateral strains.