ANKARA
The Turkish Interior Ministry condemned Thursday the Nov. 12 assault on three U.S. sailors in Istanbul.
In a written statement, Interior Minister Efkan Ala said Turkey was conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.
Ala also said Turkish security forces had taken appropriate steps to prevent such incidents in the future.
“We strongly condemn the attack against the U.S. soldiers returning from a joint NATO exercise in the Black Sea,” Ala said.
He added that all American people and officials were Turkey’s guests. “At the same time, this is an attack against the hospitality of the Turkish nation,” he said.
Turkish Youth Union members had assaulted the three sailors Wednesday, grabbing them and pulling sacks over their heads.
Later, videos of the assault were also distributed online.
The minister said Turkey would not show leniency to the culprits, who aim to tarnish Turkey’s image.
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