December 18, 2003
Core Dispatch Set for February
135-strong GSDF unit to be advance team to Samawah
Japan Times, 18 December 2003
The first main Ground Self-Defense Force contingent will head to Iraq in February to engage in reconstruction assistance after Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi gives the final go-ahead, according to Defense Agency documents. (more)
Japanese
Embassy in Baghdad Issues Alert
Junko Takahashi, Japan Times, 18 December 2003
Japanese
Embassy in Iraq Under Threat
Asahi Shimbun, 18 December 2003
Terror
Threat Spurs Ministry Panic
Kanako Takahara, Japan Times, 18 December 2003
63%
Fear Terrorists Will Attack Japan
Japan Today, 18 December 2003