Japan to end naval assist for US refueling

TOKYO: Japan will end its naval refueling mission in support of US-led operations in Afghanistan next January, officials said yesterday.

Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa said Japan would pull out its two naval ships from the Indian Ocean operation when their current mandate expires in January. The refueling mission began in 2001.

Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, who took office last month, has opposed the mission, saying Japan should take other measures to help Afghanistan restore peace.