In preparation for their planned dispatch to Iraq, Ground Self-Defense Force units will begin training this week to deal with terrorist attacks, it was learned Sunday.

The decision was made independently by the Defense Agency, in view of the fact that the government has been unable to make a final decision on the troop deployment given the deteriorating security situation in Iraq, according to sources.

The training will involve the GSDF's Northern Army, headquartered in Sapporo, which is widely expected to provide the main component of the units to be sent to Iraq to assist in reconstruction work, the sources said.