The Democratic Party of Japan stepped up its criticism Friday of the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling operation in the U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom in the Indian Ocean, as the Pentagon admitted it is difficult to trace the fuel provided by Japanese vessels.
The Defense Department released a statement late Thursday that states "the U.S. government believes it has faithfully complied with its agreement" to use the fuel from the maritime operation only for the war in and around Afghanistan.
The Pentagon pointed out that the fuel provided by MSDF vessels to U.S. vessels "is commingled with fuel from other sources" in the fuel tanks of ships, and the ships "may be engaged in multiple missions."