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1st batch of 3rd replacement ground troops leaves for Iraq

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Aomori, Japan, Aug 8, Kyodo/OANA/IRNA -- The first batch third 
replacement team of Ground Self-Defense Force troops left Aomori 
airport Sunday evening for Iraq via Kuwait to continue carrying out 
Japan`s humanitarian aid operations in the southern Iraqi city of 
Samawah, GSDF officials said. 
The 140 noncombat troops comprising the first batch of the 
500-member third team left on a government plane and will join the 
UN-authorized multilateral force in Iraq. 
The third team, which is replacing the second team as it rotates 
into Iraq, consists of the 9th Division based in Akita, Aomori and 
Iwate prefectures. 
The first batch of the team will head for the Japanese troops` 
camp in Samawah a week after arriving in Kuwait, the officials said. 
The second batch of the team consisting of 230 troops will leave 
for Iraq next Sunday, followed by the 130-member third batch Aug. 23, 
they said. 
Defense Agency Director General Shigeru Ishiba gave instructions 
to the troops at a ceremony before their departure, saying the purpose
of their mission, among other things, is to respond to the needs of 
the local people in reconstruction work in Samawah. 
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