Two young Japanese travelers wandering in southern Iraq earned the wrath of top government officials Friday, after they were temporarily detained and interrogated by local police.
Local security authorities, not to mention the Japanese government, have been extremely sensitive about possible attacks by terrorists or insurgents in the city of Samawah, where Ground Self-Defense Force troops are deployed.
Accordingly, initial reports Thursday night that two Japanese nationals had been detained in the city sent shock waves through the government establishment, and there were audible sighs of relief when it was soon confirmed that they had been released.