YOKOSUKA, Kanagawa Pref. (Kyodo) Two Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyers left Monday for antipiracy operations off Somalia under a new law authorizing them to escort commercial ships of any nationality.
They are also allowed under the new law to fire on pirate boats that ignore warning shots and close in on commercial ships, although they still cannot harm pirates except in limited circumstances, such as in self-defense.
The 4,550-ton Harusame departed from its base in Yokosuka and the 3,500-ton Amagiri left its base in Maizuru, Kyoto Prefecture, both in the afternoon.