U.S. troops on Okinawa facing curfew, alcohol ban after Marine charged with murder

October 7, 2026 / 3:49 AM EDT / CBS/AFP

U.S. forces on Okinawa were barred from drinking alcohol for 48 hours on Wednesday and were put under a 30-day curfew in the wake of the murder of a local woman allegedly committed by an American Marine.

The case has triggered outrage on the Japanese island, where any crimes involving U.S. forces have long inflamed criticism of the troops' presence. Locals also object to noise and pollution caused by the U.S. military, though many residents recognize the strategic value of having U.S. bases there due to what's widely viewed as a growing threat from China.

The governor of Okinawa, where the bulk of the 54,000 U.S. military personnel in Japan are based, is due to meet with the country's premier on Wednesday to voice his concerns.

Lt. Gen. Benjamin Watson, commander of III Marine Expeditionary Force, announced a "complete prohibition of alcohol consumption on or off base" starting Wednesday.

Watson said that the 48-hour period — described as "an operational pause" — would give commanders the time to lead training of all service members on "standards, discipline, and our responsibilities as members of the Okinawan community."

During this period, military operations…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/world/