ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Several suspects were arrested on Saturday after a video circulated online showing a group of young men on motorcycles blocking a tourist bus and scaring its passengers in Garmiyan administration’s Kalar the night prior, the internal security forces (Asayish) said.

The video shows a group of young men blocking the road with their motorcycle as they proceed to throw objects at a bus carrying tourists from southern and central Iraq. When the bus leaves, the men continue to chase it, trying to stop the vehicle again. One of the suspects is also seen carrying a knife.

“Following the collection of intelligence and an investigation, the suspects who, on motorcycles, caused the distress of a tourist bus in Kalar city were arrested within the shortest possible time and brought before the law,” Asayish said in a statement.

The Gamriyan administration apologized to the bus’ passengers in a statement, stressing that such behaviors contradict the hospitable nature of the people of Garmiyan.

“Such behavior is clearly wholly inappropriate and contrary to the culture of Kalar and Garmiyan — at a time when the people of the area are known for their hospitality — and despite the large number of tourists who visit Kalar on a daily basis, no such incident has occurred before,” read the statement.

According to information obtained by The New Region, the suspects have cited alleged littering by the tourists as the reason for their actions. Although none of the passengers have filed a complaint, judicial authorities issued arrest warrants for disturbing the public.

“The Kurdistan Region will always remain a haven of peace and coexistence. We will not allow any individual or group to tarnish the reputation of our people's hospitality through irresponsible behaviour,” Zhwan Sabir, head of the Kurdistan Region’s Tourism Board said.