(Mainichi: July 8, 2015 – p. 5)

 The government is to extend a period of counter-piracy operations that the Maritime Self-Defense Force currently conducts in the Gulf of Aden off Somalia by another year, the cabinet and the National Security Council decided on July 7.

 “The threat from pirates still lingers,” said Defense Minister Gen Nakatani at a press conference. “Japan continues to contribute to international peace and stability based on our proactive pacifism.”

 The operations were initially due to end on July 23.

 Japan currently deploys 580 MSDF personnel, two P-3C patrol aircraft and two destroyers to monitor the waters and convoy civilian ships.