US military in S. Korea cracks down on misconduct

SEOUL (AFP) - Thousands of US troops stationed in South Korea have been suspended from drinking alcohol, following a series of violent incidents that have aroused public anger, US military officials said on Monday.

Three- and four-day weekend passes have also been cancelled until further notice, Eighth Army spokesman Colonel Andrew Mutter said in a statement.

"We are taking deliberate measures and actions to address all acts of misconduct and inappropriate behaviour," Colonel Mutter said.

Earlier this month, a US soldier was shot and injured by South Korean police after a high-speed car chase through Seoul, after he and other servicemen had allegedly fired a BB gun at passers-by.