The helicopter carrier Izumo is escorting a US supply vessel heading to refuel the naval fleet in the region. Kyodo news agency said it would leave from its base in Yokosuka south of Tokyo to meet with the US supply ship, and accompany it to Shikoku in western Japan. The Izumo’s deployment follows recent joint military exercises conducted by Japan and the US, and other naval developments amid increased tensions. A French amphibious assault ship arrived in southwest Japan on Saturday for an exercise involving Japanese, French, US and British naval forces. South Korea has been conducting joint exercises with the US as well.

Source: Dhaka Tribune May 01, 2017 04:18 UTC