Pentagon says cooperating with Japan on probing U.S. soldiers' rape case in Okinawa

WASHINGTON, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Pentagon said on Thursday that it is working closely with the Japanese government and local authorities in Okinawa on investigating the alleged sexual assault of a Japanese woman by two U.S. servicemen earlier the week.

"The Department of Defense takes all incidents and allegations involving misconduct by service members seriously and pledges its continued cooperation. We deeply regret any grief and trauma the victim may have endured," Pentagon spokesman George Little said in a statement.

"U.S. Forces in Japan is actively engaged with the Government of Japan and the U.S. Navy is fully cooperating with authorities in Okinawa as they continue their investigation," Little said.

The Pentagon will soon announce "a package of measures to ensure responsible behavior and to demonstrate our commitment to maintaining positive relationships with the local communities that host our forces," he added.

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