Japan moves to ensure vessels' safety in Mideast

Japan on Saturday sent maritime reconnaissance aircraft to protect its shipping interests in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

Two P-3C aircraft took off from the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) Naha base in southern Japan and will begin their activity in the Middle East waterways from January 20.

More than 80% of Japan's oil imports come from the region.

A destroyer will depart Japan in early February to join the operation later that month.

Japan plans to also send a total of about 260 JMDSF personnel.

The mission will push through amidst tension between the United States and Iran.

In June last year, a Japanese-operated tanker was attacked in the Gulf of Oman.

Washington said Iran was responsible and urged Japan to join the U.S.-led military initiative.

Japan is a U.S. ally with friendly relations with Iran.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe meanwhile still plans to visit the Middle East starting Saturday despite the crisis in the region, a spokesman said.