Explosions heard near Japan camp in Iraq
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-07-05 08:42

Several large explosions were heard early Tuesday near Japanese troops' camp in southern Iraq, but there were no reports of injuries or damage, Japanese defense officials said.

Japanese soldiers delivering humanitarian support in the region said they heard large explosive noises several times during the night and officials are now investigating the case, Japan's Ground Self-Defense Forces said.

Officials said it was not immediately known whether the reported explosions were attacks aimed at the Japanese base in Samawah, southern Iraq.

Japan has more than 500 troops near Samawah on a non-combat humanitarian mission that ends in December.

An explosion last month that damaged a Japanese military vehicle in Samawah led the troops to temporarily suspend their activities outside the base, which include rebuilding roads and schools and supplying clean water to residents.

That incident intensified criticism at home of the mission, and prompted opposition lawmakers to step up pressure for early withdrawal. Polls have indicated the Japanese public is deeply divided over the country's troop dispatch to Iraq.

Close

Space shuttle Discovery launch delayed Blair plans measures to uproot extremism Pakistan train crash carnage kills 128

Today's Top News     Top World News
Taiwan's KMT Party to elect new leader Saturday         'No trouble brewing,' beer industry insists         Critics see security threat in Unocal bid         DPRK: Nuke-free peninsula our goal         Workplace death toll set to soar in China         No foreign controlling stakes in steel firms	Judge: Saddam trial could begin next month       DPRK: Nuke-free peninsula our goal       Pakistan train crash carnage kills 128       NASA delays shuttle launch till Saturday       Annan advocates UN Council expansion now       Israel seals off Gaza Strip settlements