Japan slams US for Okinawa flights

TOKYO - Japan criticized the US military on Friday for breaking a pledge to avoid flying helicopters over a school next to its base in Okinawa, a rare flash of discord with Tokyo's main ally.

The school next to the Futenma base on Okinawa has become a focal point for discontent over the US presence on the island since a window fell from a US Marines helicopter onto its playground last month.

The Marines blamed the incident on ground personnel failing to secure the window properly and promised to try to fly around the school in future.