Two Japanese destroyers began an anti-piracy mission off Somalia over the weekend (Saturday, March 14).
CNN, which cited Japanese news agency Kyodo, said that the 4,650-tonne 'Sazanami' and the 4,550-tonne 'Samidare' have left their base in Kure. One destroyer will reach the Gulf of Aden in two to three weeks, and will be primarily be involved in escorting Japanese-registered ships.
The move follows the release of a Japanese-owned vessel by Somali pirates who had hijacked the vessel in the Gulf of Aden last November.
Due to Japan's constitution however, the nation's military is limited to only a "self-defence" role. The Maritime Self-Defence Force (MSDF) destroyers may fire warning shots if they encounter pirates, however they are not allowed to harm pirates except in self-defence.
