US marines in Japan face month-long curfew, alcohol ban amid probe of woman’s murder

Protesters in Okinawa after alleged murder of Japanese woman. (Reuters Photo) US Marines stationed on Japan’s Okinawa island have been placed under a month-long curfew and banned from consuming alcohol following the arrest of a Marine accused of murdering a Japanese woman.The US Forces in Okinawa also suspended military operations for 48 hours from Wednesday to conduct training on standards and discipline, Reuters reported. Personnel have been restricted from leaving their bases for social activities during the period.Lance Corporal Devin Jacob Ballard, 20, is suspected of killing Anna Yagi, 39, at a hotel in Naha, the capital of Okinawa, on Saturday. Police said Ballard allegedly took the woman’s wallet and backpack. He has dismissed the allegations.US military officials said the measures were aimed at reinforcing discipline and rebuilding trust with the local community. “Every interaction with our neighbors either builds or undermines the trust” essential to the alliance, Lt Gen Benjamin Watson said in a statement.‘Brutal and heinous’Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the killing as “extremely brutal and heinous” and said Tokyo had strongly protested to the US over ...