US Marine arrested over murder of woman in Okinawa, Japan

A U.S. Marine stationed at Futenma Air Station in Japan has been arrested for allegedly murdering a woman and stealing her belongings, according to Japanese officials. The 20-year-old Marine was arrested on suspicion of killing a 39-year-old local woman and taking her wallet and backpack from her hotel room in Naha, the capital of Okinawa.

Security camera footage allegedly shows the suspect entering the hotel with the victim and leaving alone. He was spotted walking alone in the entertainment district of Naha late Saturday, and was subsequently arrested. The victim's body was found in her hotel room, with indications she had been strangled. Okinawa's governor, Genta Koja, expressed outrage over the case, stating it deals a "major shock" and adds to the fear of residents already living next to U.S. bases.

Koja criticized the U.S. military's discipline and troop education measures. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's cabinet has been pushing for increased military presence on Okinawa, amid growing tensions with China. The Japanese government has strongly protested to the U.S. side regarding the case, demanding maximum cooperation with investigations and tougher discipline for U.S. service members.