Japanese gov't approves SDF law revision

The Japanese government approved Friday a revision to the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) law to allow the forces to use land vehicles to transport Japanese and other nationals overseas, according to local media.

The decision was made in a cabinet meeting Friday morning in response to the Algerian hostage crisis, which killed 38 hostages, including 10 Japanese, in January.

The current SDF law only allows the SDF to transport overseas Japanese by air or sea. The revision enabled the forces to transport Japanese and foreigners in need of help on such vehicles like armored trucks, according to Japan's Kyodo News Agency.

The revision also allowed the SDF to transport their families and other parties concerned such as officials, people sent by Japanese companies and doctors, reported Kyodo.

Under the new revision, the SDF can carry out the operation when transportation can be carried out safely after discussing the expected dangers and measures to avoid them. The current law says the transport shall be carried out when safety is assured.
Source