All Japanese troops have now pulled out of Iraq, ending a two-and-a-half year humanitarian mission. The last troops left the southern city of Samawah late on Sunday (16 July).  About 50 troops, including their commanding officer, arrived at an air base in Kuwait from which they are to fly back to Japan.

It was the first time since World War II that Japan sent soldiers to a country where fighting is underway.

Japan FM Taro Aso told reporters on Tuesday that Japan should be ready to send troops back in any United Nations force once calm settles.