October 28, 2009

Defense Minister Kitazawa Toshimi on October 27 said he is considering sending Maritime Self-Defense Force vessels to the sea off Somalia to take part in anti-piracy operations after their current refueling mission in the Indian Ocean in support of the “anti-terrorism” war in Afghanistan ends in January.

The government plans to withdraw the MSDF vessels engaged in the “anti-terrorism” mission after the New Anti-terrorism Special Measures Law, which was used to authorize the mission, expires on January 15.

“The most appropriate response is to utilize the techniques and experiences of refueling in other areas,” said Kitazawa at a press conference, indicating the possibility of assigning the MSDF to refuel foreign ships operating in waters off Somalia to supposedly combat pirates.

Warships sent by the U.S. and other countries are conducting the anti-piracy and “anti-terrorism” activities in Gulf of Aden off Somalia.

The gulf is currently one of the main areas where the MSDF vessels provide fuel to foreign ships engaged in “anti-terrorism” operations.

If the MSDF refueling warships are required to support the anti-piracy mission in the area, they may continue to be involved in the “anti-terrorism” war even after the special measures law expires.
- Akahata, October 28, 2009