In a shocking incident, two US Marines were assaulted by a group of Turkish nationalists during their port visit to Izmir. The attack, carried out by members of the Turkish Youth Union, has led to the arrest of 15 individuals, including the group’s president.
The Marines, who were dressed in civilian clothes, were targeted by a mob consisting of two women and thirteen men affiliated with the Youth Union, a nationalist organization known for its anti-American stance. The group, linked to the Turkish Vatan Party, posted a video on social media showing the Marines being attacked and having sacks thrown over their heads, while the assailants shouted “Yankee, go home.”
The video, which was shared widely on social media platform X, shows the Marines calling for help as they are assaulted. The incident has sparked a range of reactions online, with some condemning the violence and others surprisingly supporting the attack.
The Turkish Communist Party also held a demonstration in İzmir protesting the presence of the USS Wasp, the ship carrying the Marines. The protesters expressed their opposition to the US military presence, citing the ship’s alleged involvement in conflicts abroad.
In response to the attack, the Izmir governor’s office reported that five additional Marines intervened to assist their colleagues. The US Embassy in Turkey acknowledged the incident, stating that the Marines were unharmed and thanking Turkish authorities for their swift response and ongoing investigation.
The US Sixth Fleet confirmed that the Marines were assessed at a local hospital but were not injured and returned safely to the USS Wasp. The Turkish authorities have detained 15 individuals connected to the attack and have initiated a judicial probe into the matter. Local officials are cooperating with the US military and investigating the incident thoroughly.
The USS Wasp’s port visit in Izmir was part of a routine stop following joint training exercises with the Turkish Naval Forces. The Turkish Youth Union’s statement condemned the US military presence and expressed support for the attack on the Marines.
Sources By Agencies
