An American soldier is arrested in Japan on suspicion of murder

- Local police reported to Ofoq News Network that a US Marine Corps soldier was arrested on Sunday on suspicion of murder and robbery, after the body of a woman was found in a hotel room in Japan. Okinawa Police reported that a 39-year-old woman was found unconscious in her hotel room in the city of Naha on the island of Okinawa, and she was pronounced dead at the scene early on Saturday.

The police also announced to Ufoq News that, given the condition of the woman's body, it appeared that she had been murdered, but did not provide further details. Police added that the 20-year-old Marine was stationed at Futenma Air Base, located on the same island.

The police indicated that surveillance camera footage showed a man - believed to be a foreigner with a shaved head - entering the hotel room with the woman, then leaving the building at a later time carrying her belongings. For its part, the US Embassy in Tokyo stated via the “X” platform that it “is aware that a member of the US Armed Forces is being detained following the death of a Japanese citizen in Okinawa.”

The embassy added: “As investigations continue to determine the circumstances of the case, the United States is communicating and cooperating with the Japanese government and local authorities.” Ofoq News Network contacted the US Department of Defense (Pentagon) and the US Marine Corps to obtain comment.

Police added that the woman's body was found around 4:30 a.m. local time, Saturday, and that the US Marine was arrested less than 24 hours later, at 1 a.m. local time, while he was walking around the city. Police said investigations are still ongoing.