Video Shows Iranian Troops Detaining 10 U.S. Navy Sailors in the Persian Gulf

Video shows U.S. sailors being detained by Iranian troops in the Persian Gulf.

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Complex Original

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Iran released video of troops detaining U.S. sailors before taking them into custody to the Persian Gulf’s Farsi Island. Video footage of the detainment of the 10 sailors and two U.S. Navy boats showed the sailors on their knees with their hands behind their head after the boats entered Iranian waters Tuesday. Iran has also released other footage, through Iranian state television, of the sailors while in detainment. According to earlier reports the incident was thought to have been a case of spying but that has since been dispelled. The sailors were released Wednesday morning. 

Iranian troops are seen on video checking the sailors' documents such as passports in addition to guns, ammunition, and other equipment aboard the two boats. In another video the sailors are seen eating and drinking during detainment. Reports said Iran wanted an apology for the incident and hours ago the U.S. hadn't given one according to Secretary of State John Kerry's spokesperson. Kerry thanked Iran after they released the sailors saying, "I'm appreciative for the quick and appropriate response of the Iranian authorities. I think we can all imagine how a similar situation might have played out three or four years ago. In fact, it is clear that today this kind of issue was able to be peacefully resolved and efficiently resolved and that is a testament to the critical role that diplomacy plays in keeping our country safe, secure and strong."

Although there was no apology at the time another video has since been released of an unidentified sailor apologizing while in captivity acknowledging the whole ordeal was a "mistake." He said, "It was a mistake. That was our fault, and we apologize for our mistake." When asked (on video) if a GPS has alerted him to the fact that they were in Iranian waters he said "I believe so." He then added, "We did not mean to go into Iranian territorial water."

ABC News said the Iranian military issued a statement which agreed that the incident was "inadvertent and unintentional," but nonetheless illegal. Reason for the incident is still under investigation a Navy's Fifth Fleet spokesman told ABC News.

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