Evacuations plan for Japanese in Iran, Israel

Japan’s defense Minister has ordered the dispatch of two Air Self-Defense Force C-2 transport aircraft to Djibouti, a country in the Horn of Africa, to be on standby to evacuate Japanese citizens in Israel and Iran. Nakatani Gen, Japan’s defense Minister issued the order on Thursday amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.

Japan’s Foreign Ministry said roughly 1,000 Japanese nationals are in Israel and 280 in Iran. As airports in the two countries have been shut down, the Japanese government is preparing to evacuate those who wish to leave by land. The Air Defense force aircraft and about 120 personnel will leave for Djibouti as soon as they are ready.

This is in preparation for a possible air evacuation of Japanese citizens when airports in Israel or Iran reopen.  Nakatani said the Defense Ministry and the Self-Defense Forces, in close cooperation with the Foreign Ministry, will do everything they can to secure the safety of Japanese citizens abroad.