S. Korea: U.S. troops overstepped bounds

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SONGTAN, South Korea, July 9 (UPI) -- South Korean officials said Monday they want a meeting with U.S. military officials after U.S. troops handcuffed at least two South Koreans over parking.

U.S. Forces Korea have not confirmed that such a meeting will take place, but top U.S. military officials have apologized for the Thursday incident, Stars and Stripes reported.

Grainy video taken by passersby show at least five airmen from the 7th Air Force handcuffed at least two, possibly three, South Koreans for blocking the Osan Air Base's main gate in the city of Songtan. The patrol said the car was considered a force protection threat.

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade official, whose name was not reported, said the troops overstepped their bounds and should have allowed South Korean police to handle the situation. The official said the proposed meeting would include discussing U.S. security forces rights and authority in light of the incident.

The U.S. military said the South Koreans assaulted the patrol, forcing them to act in self-defense, Stars and Stripes reported. The five airmen have been suspended from off-base patrol.