The U.S. military announced a 48-hour operational pause after a Marine was arrested on suspicion of killing a local woman. Japan’s Foreign Ministry protested, while Okinawa officials called for stronger discipline.
The U.S. military command on Okinawa announced a 48-hour operational pause, restricted service members from leaving their bases and banned alcohol after a Marine was arrested on suspicion of killing a 39-year-old local woman. The Associated Press and Lenta.ru reported the measures.
AP identified the suspect as 20-year-old Lance Cpl. Devin Jacob Ballard, stationed at Futenma Air Station. Police suspect him of strangling Anna Yagi at a hotel in Naha and stealing her wallet and backpack. Ballard denies the allegations, AP reported, citing Japanese media; Japanese authorities are investigating.
Lt. Gen. Benjamin Watson, commander of III Marine Expeditionary Force, announced that troops would receive training on standards and discipline after the two-day pause. AP and Lenta.ru reported that a 30-day period of enhanced oversight and a curfew from midnight to 5 a.m. would follow.
Japan’s Foreign Ministry protested to U.S. Ambassador George Glass and called for cooperation with the investigation and stronger discipline among U.S. personnel. Okinawa Governor Genta Koja also urged Tokyo to secure more effective measures and reduce the burden of hosting the bases. The suspect is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.