Japan Press Weekly

Tweet

2014 September 10 - 16 [POLITICS]

Okinawa JCP calls for removal of US military jet spewing flames

The Japanese Communist Party Okinawa Prefectural Committee on September 8 made representations to the Okinawa Defense Bureau to protest against a fire accident involving a U.S. AV-8B Harrier jet at the U.S. Kadena base and demanded an immediate removal of this type of aircraft.

A U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier fighter caught fire just after making an emergency landing at the U.S. Kadena Air Base four days ago.

JCP member of the Okinawa Prefectural Assembly Kayo Sogi cited the USMC announcement that the accident happened during a routine training flight. He pointed out, “The accident could have turned into a catastrophe as the aircraft in question presumably carries ammunition.”

A bureau official only replied that the bureau will request the U.S. military to take measures for prevention of accidents and ensure thorough safety.

On the following day, the assembly of the base-hosting town of Kadena unanimously adopted two documents: a special resolution in protest against the fire accident and a statement calling for the withdrawal of all Harriers without delay.

Past related article:
> US military jet catches fire after landing at Okinawa base [September 5, 2014]