Japanese officials are considering including the rescue of U.S. personnel operating in the Arabian Sea in the basic action plan for supporting the ongoing military operations in Afghanistan, government sources said Tuesday.

But such action, if launched near U.S. forces under attack, could pose a problem. This is because the counterterrorism law that was enacted Monday limits the area of operation for Self-Defense Forces support for the U.S.-led coalition to noncombat areas, analysts said.

The basic plan, which under the new law must be approved by the Cabinet, will set the framework for SDF operations.