Turkey Accuses U.S. of ‘Aggressive’ Actions Against Bodyguards Who Attacked D.C. Protestors

(ANKARA, Turkey) — Turkey says it has summoned the U.S. ambassador in Ankara to protest what it called “aggressive and unprofessional actions” by U.S. security personnel against Turkish bodyguards in Washington during President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit last week.

The move Monday appears to be in retaliation to calls in the United States for strong action against the Turkish security officers who were seen hitting and kicking protesters outside the Turkish ambassador’s residence in Washington during Erdogan’s visit.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry said the U.S. ambassador was given a “written and verbal protest” against actions that is said were “contrary to diplomatic rules and practices.”

It said it had requested that the U.S. authorities conduct “a full investigation of this diplomatic incident.”