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US Troops Confined to Base in Japanese Uproar

Military personnel confined to bases indefinitely

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 20, 2008 6:44 AM CST

(Newser) – The US military has ordered 45,000 American troops, civilian employees and their families in Japan restricted to their military bases, homes and workplaces in a move to quell growing Japanese outrage at problem Marines. The orders, in place indefinitely, will effectively bar Marines nationwide and all military personnel on Okinawa from visiting local restaurants and nightclubs.

The furor among Japanese citizens was triggered by the recent arrest in Okinawa of a Marine suspected of raping a 14-year-old girl. The US military subsequently arrested two other Marines for rape in a separate case. "The intent is not to just inconvenience people," said a US military spokesman. "Hopefully, people will realize, 'Got it, and we will behave.'"

Protesters shout slogans during a rally titled "We don't need dangerous neighbors" Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008 in Chatan, an Okinawan town where a U.S. Marine was allegedly raped a 14-year-old Japanese girl... (Associated Press)

A security guard checks a motorist at the entrance of Camp Kinser, a U.S. Marine Corps base in Urasoe, Okinawa Prefecture (state), southern Japan, Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2008. The U.S. military imposed tight... (Associated Press)

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US Troops Confined to Base in Japanese Uproar

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US Military Looking for Foothold in Philippines

But doesn't intend to reopen bases

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Soldiers were on training mission

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Danger to convoys forcing military to rely on pricey airlifts

US Soldier Sentenced to 10 Years in S. Korea Rape

Pfc. Kevin Flippin convicted of assaulting 16-year-old

Female Vets Sue Pentagon Over Sex Abuse

Lawsuit says rape is rampant, but ignored by commanders

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US Troops Confined to Base in Japanese Uproar

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Japan • US military • rape • Okinawa • military bases • Marine

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

US Military Looking for Foothold in Philippines

But doesn't intend to reopen bases

4 Die in Army Base Helicopter Crash

Soldiers were on training mission

Why We Spend $400 per Gallon of Gas in Afghanistan

Danger to convoys forcing military to rely on pricey airlifts

US Soldier Sentenced to 10 Years in S. Korea Rape

Pfc. Kevin Flippin convicted of assaulting 16-year-old

Female Vets Sue Pentagon Over Sex Abuse

Lawsuit says rape is rampant, but ignored by commanders

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Newser By Users

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What is Newser?