A Ground Self-Defense Forces (GSDF) contingent left Japan late Saturday for Iraq to replace the soldiers based there.

The contingent of about 140 members departed from a base in Hokkaido Prefecture, signaling the first rotation since the first batch of GSDF troops arrived at Iraq's southern city of Samawah in January.

The team will enter Iraq via Kuwait and be followed by another two within this month.

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi showed up on the scene to see off. The premier solidly refused to pull out troops during a hostage crisis in April involving five Japanese.

About 550 ground troops are currently stationed in Iraq on reconstruction mission. They just renewed operations outside the camp due to fierce clashes between local militant groups and US-led forces over the past weeks.

Besides, Japan has sent air and maritime troops numbering about500 to Kuwait to provide support in the largest overseas operationafter the World War II.

The deployment was fulfilled under a legislation adopted in July, which is controversial on legitimacy considering Japan's pacifist constitution. The mission is scheduled to end by year end.

Source: Xinhua