A new batch of Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force troops began leaving for South Sudan on Sunday to take part in UN peacekeeping activities, with the members authorized to perform fresh roles in line with new security legislation.

Some 130 GSDF members left Aomori airport as the first group of the 350-strong unit, which will replace the current Japanese troops, who are engaging in work to build roads and other infrastructure as part the U.N. mission, called UNMISS.

The group, including unit leader Col. Yoshiro Tanaka, will arrive in the South Sudan capital of Juba on Monday, while the remaining members will leave Japan through December. The new unit will take over the right of command from the incumbent unit on Dec. 12.

Japan has deployed GSDF units for engineering work as part of UNMISS since 2012. The new batch of troops is also an engineering unit, but the government has decided to give them two additional roles in line with the security legislation, which has given more leeway in the strictly restricted use of weapons by the Self-Defense Forces personnel during U.N. peacekeeping missions.

Source: MENA