Japan's Self-Defense Forces have transported anti-ship and anti-air missiles to a new camp on Ishigaki Island in the southwestern prefecture of Okinawa.
The Ground Self-Defense Force opened the camp on Thursday, as part of efforts to strengthen the defense of the southwestern islands. It plans to deploy about 570 personnel, including members of the missile unit.
On Saturday, workers loaded the ammunition onto trucks from the Maritime Self-Defense Force transport vessel Osumi, which arrived at Ishigaki Port at around 6:30 a.m.
Protesters including a resident's group blocked the gate of the port, and shouted their opposition to the deployment of missiles to the camp.
Police officers removed the protesters at around 9:30 a.m., allowing the 18 trucks to proceed through the city center toward the camp.
Some residents also protested at the camp's entrance.