Nov 1 (Reuters) - Japanese Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba was set on Thursday to order navy ships home from the Indian Ocean, where they have been supplying fuel and water in support of U.S.-led military activities in Afghanistan since 2001.

(For a related story, click on [nT275983])

Following are some facts on Japan's recent military dispatches overseas, which have been a focus of debate because of the country's pacifist constitution.

APRIL - OCTOBER, 1991

Japan was criticised for contributing cash but no troops to the 1991 Gulf War. After the war, six navy vessels were sent to the Gulf to remove mines.

SEPTEMBER, 1992 - SEPTEMBER, 1993

In the first overseas dispatch under a 1992 International Peace Cooperation Law, Japan sent 600 ground troops to Cambodia to repair bridges and highways. Another 16 troops helped monitor a ceasefire and Tokyo also sent transport ships and aircraft.

Two Japanese civilians, one a policeman, were killed while taking part in the Cambodia peacekeeping mission.

JANUARY, 2004 - JULY, 2006

About 600 troops were sent to Samawa in southern Iraq to provide medical services and water supply as well as to repair public buildings. Then-prime minister Junichiro Koizumi ordered the dispatch in the face of domestic opposition, but public opinion turned more positive after the troops came home safely.

CURRENT MISSIONS

DECEMBER, 2003 - PRESENT

About 200 air force troops based in Kuwait are contributing to humanitarian work and reconstruction in Iraq, transporting cargo and personnel into Baghdad and Erbil for various countries and the United Nations.

JANUARY, 1996 - PRESENT

Logistical support for U.N. force in Golan Heights

About 45 troops are providing logistical support for the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), which is overseeing a ceasefire between Israel and Syria in the Golan Heights.

MARCH, 2007 - PRESENT

Six military personnel are involved in the United Nations mission supporting the peace process in Nepal. (Sources - Cabinet Office's International Peace Cooperation Headquarters Web site: http://www.pko.go.jp/ Defence Ministry Web site: http://mod.go.jp Japan International Cooperation Agency Web site: http://www.jica.go.jp and Japanese media reports)

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