Views: 7

Japan to send SDF plane to evacuate nationals in Lebanon

The Japanese government is arranging to send a Self-Defense Forces plane to Jordan to prepare for a possible evacuation of its citizens in Lebanon amid fears of escalating conflict between Israel and Lebanese Shiite militant group Hezbollah, a source familiar with the matter said Friday.

Adding that SDF planes, including a C2 transport aircraft, are already on standby in Japan in case its citizens need to be evacuated from Israel, Defense Minister Minoru Kihara told a press conference that the government will “appropriately deal with the situation” depending on how events unfold.

The source said the government is considering sending an Air Self-Defense Force C2 plane to remain on stand-by in Jordan.

According to the Japanese Foreign Ministry, about 50 Japanese nationals are in Lebanon.

Israeli air strikes in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah have intensified.

JAPAN TODAY