Japan "Dispatches JSDF Transport Aircraft to Afghanistan" ... For Evacuation of Nationals and Embassy Staff

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Jo] The Japanese government is dispatching three transport aircraft to evacuate its nationals and others from Afghanistan, which is under Taliban control.

According to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun on the 23rd, the Japanese government analyzed the situation in Afghanistan at the National Security Council (NSC) meeting held at the Prime Minister's Office that morning and made this decision. Government spokesperson and Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato Katsunobu stated at a press conference, "The safe evacuation of those wishing to leave Afghanistan is the most urgent task for the international community," adding, "We will maintain close communication with related countries to ensure thorough measures."

Accordingly, one C-2 transport aircraft belonging to the Air Self-Defense Force will depart that evening, followed by two C-130 transport aircraft on the 24th heading to the area. Not only Japanese nationals working for international organizations but also Afghan local staff who worked at the Japanese embassy are expected to be evacuated via these transport planes. Currently, Afghanistan's situation remains unstable as the Taliban, an Islamic fundamentalist group, has seized major cities following the announcement of the U.S. military withdrawal. Earlier, on the 15th, the Japanese government temporarily closed its embassy located in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan.

Under international law, the deployment of the Self-Defense Forces to foreign territories generally requires the consent of the host country. Regarding this, Minister Kato explained, "The local situation is different from normal circumstances," but added, "We are striving to communicate to ensure that no issues arise under international law."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.