(WASHINGTON) — Three sailors from the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Ross “verbally and physically interacted” with a group of activists claiming they were the Turkish Youth League, a Defense Department Official told the press Wednesday.
The three sailors returned to their ship and are in good condition.
The Ross was in Istanbul on a port of call after a visit to the Black Sea. The ship was scheduled to depart Istanbul either Wednesday or Thursday.
The U.S. Embassy in Turkey responded to video of the incident on Twitter:
(1/4)The video showing an assault on three visiting American sailors is appalling.
— US Embassy Turkey (@USEmbassyTurkey) November 12, 2014
(2/4)While we respect the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression,
— US Embassy Turkey (@USEmbassyTurkey) November 12, 2014
(3/4) we condemn today’s attack in Istanbul, and have no doubt…
— US Embassy Turkey (@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.
— US Embassy Turkey (@USEmbassyTurkey) November 12, 2014
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