Officials warn US soldiers to be careful during Ramadan

ADANA - Anatolia News Agency

A Turkish F-16 fighter jet prepares for take of from Incirlik airbase in the southern Turkish city of Adana July 4, 2012. REUTERS Photo

İncirlik Air Base officials have warned American soldiers to be careful during the month of Ramadan, listing a series of important points to keep in consideration, Anatolia news agency reported.
 
The statement released called for the soldiers to be "respectful and informed" while telling them that from July 20 until Aug. 18, Turks "will not be eating or drinking during the day."
 
Gardeners during Ramadan will not be accepting any food or water even if they are offered, the statement said, and soldiers should not take the rejections personally.
 
Soldiers were also told not to eat or drink in public to "respect the Muslim faith," the statement read, while warning soldiers to be patient with drivers who may "be driving aggressively right before iftar."
 
The statement also sought to inform soldiers by giving background information on Ramadan, stating that it will be followed by a three-day Ramadan bayram holiday.
 
İncirlik is a U.S. Air Force base that is also used by Turkish Air Force in the southern province of Adana.