An anti-American youth group physically assaulted US military personnel in Turkey on Monday, and 15 individuals were detained as a result of the incident, according to officials.
“We can confirm reports that US service members embarked aboard the USS Wasp were the victims of an assault in Izmir today, and are now safe,” the US Embassy in Turkey said on social media platform X. “We thank Turkish authorities for their rapid response and ongoing investigation.”
According to the Izmir Governor’s Office, 15 individuals who were implicated in the incident were apprehended, and an investigation was initiated by the authorities. It was reported that the Youth Union of Turkey was responsible for the attack.
The ultra-nationalist organization, which is recognized by its Turkish initials TGB, identifies itself as anti-imperialist and has recently organized demonstrations against the United States and Israel. It is associated with the Vatan Party.
Earlier today, TGB’s X account reported that members had placed sandbags over the heads of American soldiers and shared a video of the incident, reminding of the 2003 event where Turkish soldiers in Iraq were covered in hoods and detained by US forces.
Under suspicion of engaging in unapproved activities, US troops detained and hooded Turkish special forces in northern Iraq in the 2003 hooding episode, which is frequently referenced as a low moment in US-Turkey relations. This incident severely embarrassed Turkey, and nationalist organizations there have subsequently used it as a point of national grievance. Such attacks are motivated in part by anti-American sentiments that are stoked by the remembrance of this incident.
The group stated that US soldiers, who are responsible for the blood of our soldiers and thousands of Palestinians, are unable to defile our country.
The Turkish Defence Ministry has announced that the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp will be stationed in Izmir until September 5.
