“Yankee go home! Yankee go home!” In this stunning footage taken early this morning, a group of Turkish protesters attack U.S. servicemen on leave just outside Istanbul. The group, which identifies themselves as the Youth Association of Turkey, throws red paint and puts bags over the sailors’ heads. Thankfully, the sailors escaped relatively unharmed:
“US Navy officials are working with the embassy and NCIS to investigate the incident. The three sailors were unharmed and are safely back aboard. They did not require medical attention,” Capt. Greg Hicks, a spokesman with U.S. European Command told CNN.
The U.S. Embassy in Turkey condemned the attacks on Twitter.
(1/4)The video showing an assault on three visiting American sailors is appalling.
— U.S. Embassy Türkiye (@USEmbassyTurkey) November 12, 2014
(2/4)While we respect the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression,
— U.S. Embassy Türkiye (@USEmbassyTurkey) November 12, 2014
(3/4) we condemn today’s attack in Istanbul, and have no doubt…
— U.S. Embassy Türkiye (@USEmbassyTurkey) November 12, 2014
(4/4)… the vast majority of Turks would join us in rejecting an action that so disrespects Turkey’s reputation for hospitality.
— U.S. Embassy Türkiye (@USEmbassyTurkey) November 12, 2014
[AP]