3 US sailors attacked in Istanbul amid chants of 'Yankee go home'

[n2doc]

Protesters yelling “Yankee go home!” attacked three U.S. sailors in Istanbul, Turkey, on Wednesday, while the guided missile destroyer USS Ross was in port.

The sailors were not injured and all returned to the ship, said Capt. Greg Hicks, a spokesman for U.S. European Command.

Liberty was canceled for the ship’s crew for the remainder of the day, and investigators from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, along with the U.S. Embassy, are looking into the incident.

The Associated Press reported the group that attacked the sailors belonged to the nationalist Youth Association. Dogan news agency said Turkish police have detained 12 people, including one woman, in connection with the incident, according to AP.

A video of the attack was circulating on Turkish media Wednesday, showing a group of about 10 young men standing around the sailors, who were in civilian clothing and appeared to be lined up outside a small building in a marina. One of the men then addressed the sailors in English, calling U.S. troops “killers” and saying “we want you to get out of our land.”

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http://www.stripes.com/news/europe/3-us-sailors-attacked-in-istanbul-amid-chants-of-yankee-go-home-1.313822

[MADem]

1. Not mentioned in the article is that they sprayed them with red paint before they put the

bags over their heads.

This wasn't a "one off" and the Turkish government, which should be posting a cooperative police presence near the vessel, apparently was totally AWOL.

What does that tell one?

Also, SECNAV was aboard the day before or thereabouts.

I will say the servicemembers acquitted themselves superbly--they practiced non-violence to perfection.

[Ykcutnek]

2. Despicable.

Kudos to those sailors for showing restraint and not escalating the situation.

[Historic NY]

3. Its pretty clear Turkey doesn't want US money...

[geek tragedy]

4. Of course a pro- ISIS country isn't going to

show much hospitality to American military personnel.

[Basic LA]

5. Shore leave memories.

This reminded me of shore leave in Istanbul in '65 when they told us to be careful after a busload of Chief Petty Officers was attacked & had its windows broken.

[eissa]

6. Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan

with "friends" like these.......