A nationalist Turkish youth organization confronted two US marines in western Turkey on Monday.
The marines, stationed aboard the USS Wasp, faced the aggression in Izmir, where one attacker placed a bag over a service member’s head.
Officials from both nations verified this event, as reported by NBC News, the US affiliate of Sky News.
The USS Wasp in Cyprus last month. Pic: Rex
Authorities in Izmir province reported the detention of thirteen men and two women after they were charged with attacking the service members.
To date, no arrests or formal charges have been reported.
These individuals are alleged members of the nationalist Turkish Youth Union.
Footage revealed the Marines being encircled by a crowd chanting “Yankee go home” on a bustling street.
One marine was restrained before the bag being placed over his head.
Other service members stepped in to help, and fortunately, no injuries were reported; the marines subsequently returned to their ship, according to a statement from the US Navy.
As a precaution, the two marines were taken to a medical facility.
Sean Savett, spokesperson for the National Security Council, remarked: “We are deeply concerned about this attack on US service members and appreciate that Turkish law enforcement is treating this issue with seriousness and holding those accountable for their actions.”
Suleyman Elban, the governor of Izmir province, stated: “On Monday, September 2, 2024, at approximately 4 PM, two American military personnel in civilian attire were physically assaulted by a group of 15 individuals, comprising two women and 13 men, affiliated with the Turkish Youth Union (TGB).”
A statement from the governor indicated that five plainclothes US service members were “observing from a distance” and had some involvement in the occurrence.
The TGB is a minor nationalist political group currently holding no parliament seats.
An account on X claiming to represent the TGB shared video footage of the incident, alleging that US soldiers have “the blood of our soldiers and thousands of Palestinians on their hands.”
The USS Wasp is an amphibious assault vessel, and the US embassy noted that it was conducting a port visit in Izmir this week.
