U.S. Forces in Okinawa Suspend Operations for 48 Hours, Ban Late-Night Outings for 30 Days

Amid a backlash over the murder of a local woman by a U.S. service member in Okinawa, Japan, the U.S. military has decided to ban all U.S. personnel stationed in Okinawa from going out at night for 30 days.

Lt. Gen. Benjamin T. Watson, commanding general of the III Marine Expeditionary Force, announced the decision on social media on October 6 through a notice titled "Standards and Discipline."

According to the notice, all U.S. military personnel stationed in Okinawa will suspend operations for 48 hours starting at noon on October 7, will not be permitted to move freely outside the base, and will be strictly prohibited from drinking alcohol.

In addition, starting October 9, off-base movement will be banned from midnight to 5 a.m. for a period of 30 days.

In the notice, Lt. Gen. Watson stated, "We live, work, and interact with the people of Okinawa. Every interaction with our neighbors either builds or erodes the trust that is essential to our team." He added, "When that trust is damaged, it affects the solidity of our alliance and the security of this region."

Earlier, U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Devin Jacob Ballard, 20, assigned to Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, was arrested on October 3 on suspicion of robbery and murder of a woman in her 30s at a hotel in Naha.

The incident has fueled growing resentment against the U.S. military within Okinawa.

Newly appointed Okinawa Governor Koza Genta summoned Lt. Gen. Watson and other officials to the prefectural office on October 5, lodging a protest by saying, "I feel immense anger," and strongly demanding that effective and fundamental measures be devised.

Later that day, Governor Koza is scheduled to hold meetings with Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro, and Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu regarding the incident.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.