Military presence in Japan, U.S.A., bans alcohol for its troops

Moreover, the Okinawan soldiers are forbidden from leaving their base and residences. On Sunday, an American soldier crashed his truck over a minifurgon, taking the life of the other vehicle driver.

Half the American troops in Japan are located in Okinawa, but locals have long complained of heavy military presence.

In a statement, the American Army confirmed that one of its members was involved in the accident and said alcohol may have been a factor. The military has also announced that it will launch mandatory training to address the use of alcohol, risks and acceptable behavior for all its troops in Japan.

The American presence in Okinawa, about 60 miles [649 km] south of Japan off the coast of China, is a key part of the Japanese-American security alliance. The base holds about 26 thousand American troops. However, there are plans to move a part of it to a less populated area of the island, but many local residents want the base to be completely removed.

In 2016, tens of thousands of people staged protests against American troops. Anger over the American presence has increased among local residents, especially since the group rape of a 12-year-old, events for which American troops are blamed in 1995.

In 2016, the murder of a woman was linked to a former marble, which also led to the temporary ban on alcohol, as well as a nighttime ban.