Turkish nationalists attack NATO soldiers

Turkish police have broken up a violent mob in the port town of Iskenderun, after nationalist activists attacked three German soldiers.

28 protesters from the Turkish Union of Youth have been detained.

The ultra-nationalist group is known for throwing bags over the heads of NATO forces. It carries out the practice in protest at an incident during the 2003-4 Iraq war, in which US forces captured and hooded Turkish soldiers.

Ilker Yucel, leader of the Turkish Union of Youth, says:

“We will not allow foreign soldiers to walk freely in our country. We will continue to throw bags over soldiers. We just did and will continue to do so.”

Germany, the Netherlands and the United States are each sending two Patriot missile batteries and up to 400 troops to Turkey, following a request from Ankara.

The reinforcements are intended to protect the country from potential attack by neighbouring Syria.

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