November 13, 2014 - 11:03 AMT
Youngsters attack U.S. sailors in Istanbul, call them ‘killers’

A group of Turkish youngsters assaulted three American naval officers in Istanbul on Wednesday, Nov 12, calling them “murderers and killers” and demanding that they leave the country, Time reported.

The youths belong to a nationalist group called the Turkish Youth Union or T.G.B., which released a video of members flinging balloons filled with red paint at the soldiers before grabbing them and putting white sacks over their heads.

Turkish authorities have arrested 12 people for the assault, and Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tanju Bilgic issued a statement condemning the “disrespectful act, which is in no way tolerable.”

“These attackers are a great discredit upon the Turks and Turkish reputation for hospitality,” said Pentagon spokesman Col. Steve Warren, telling reporters that American and Turkish authorities will investigate the incident.

The sailors immediately returned to their ship, the USS Ross, and their shore leave in Istanbul has been canceled.