The hostage crisis involving three Japanese civilians highlighted the worsening security situation in Iraq.
The incident raised public doubt over whether the Self-Defense Forces should be stationed there under such conditions, but observers say an SDF withdrawal from the southern Iraqi city of Samawah is not an option because it would mean the government gave in to the kidnappers' demand.
They said the government should take grave consideration of the fact that Japan, a close ally of the United States, is a likely target for elements opposed to the U.S.-led occupation of Iraq.