US troops hit with curfew and alcohol ban as murder case fuels outrage in Japan
Tokyo, Japan - US forces on Okinawa were on Wednesday barred from drinking alcohol for 48 hours and also face a 30-day curfew after the murder of a woman allegedly committed by an American Marine.
The case has triggered outrage in Japan, where any crimes involving US forces have long inflamed criticism of the troops' presence.
Benjamin T. Watson, Okinawa area coordinator and commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force, announced a "complete prohibition of alcohol consumption on or off base" starting Wednesday.
He also announced a 30-day "period of reflection" beginning Friday, where "we will implement a curfew in which liberty will expire at 2400 for all hands".
Watson said that the 48-hour period – described as "an operational pause" would give commanders the time to lead training with all service members on "standards, discipline, and our responsibilities as members of the Okinawan community".
During this period, operations will cease and "we will not allow off-base liberty", said Watson, the most senior military figure on Okinawa.
Police said Sunday that a US Marine stationed on Okinawa was arrested on suspicion of killing a 39-year-old woman at a hotel in the city of Naha and stealing her wallet.
Local media reported she was choked to death and that the Marine is denying the allegations.
Cover photo: CHRISTOPHER JUE / AFP