2 US sailors arrested over Okinawa rape: Reports

TOKYO (AFP) - Two United States (US) servicemen were arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of raping a Japanese woman in Okinawa, reports said, as anti-American feeling runs high on the strategically vital island.

The incident comes amid swelling protests over the recent deployment on the island of 12 Osprey transport aircraft, with the plane's perceived poor safety triggering concern among local residents.

National broadcaster NHK said the two, both aged 23, were arrested for the alleged assault before dawn on Tuesday.

One of the sailors admitted the attack but the other has denied it, according to TV Asahi.