US Marine arrested over murder of woman in Okinawa, Japan
A US Marine has been arrested in Okinawa, Japan, on suspicion of murdering a 39-year-old woman. The incident has drawn sharp condemnation from Japanese officials, who are demanding stricter discipline for US military personnel stationed in the region.
Why it matters
Crimes involving US military personnel in Okinawa frequently strain US-Japan diplomatic relations and spark local protests regarding the presence of foreign bases.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, The US Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa, Japan
A US Marine has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a woman's body was found in a hotel in Okinawa, Japan, local officials say.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the crime as a "brutal and heinous" robbery and murder. She said she had urged the US to "enforce stricter discipline" of its personnel.
Japan's public broadcaster NHK identified the victim as Yagi Anna, 39, and the suspect as Devin Jacob Ballard, 20, who is stationed at US Marine Corps Air Station Futenma.
"We are actively cooperating with Japanese authorities, in response to allegations of serious criminal actions by a Marine," the Marine Corps said on social media, extending condolences to the victim's family.
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