Turkish authorities announced on Monday that they had arrested 15 people for physically assaulting two American soldiers from the crew of a US aircraft carrier visiting the port of Izmir, located on the country's western coast.
“Two American soldiers in civilian clothes were physically assaulted by a group of 15 members of the Turkish Youth Union,” Izmir provincial authorities said in a statement, adding that police had arrested the suspects.
The two soldiers who were attacked were serving on board the US aircraft carrier USS Wasp, which has been visiting Izmir since Sunday.
In turn, the US Embassy in Turkey said on the X platform, “We can confirm reports that two American service members from the USS Wasp crew were attacked in Izmir today and are now safe. We thank the Turkish authorities for their rapid response, and the investigation is ongoing.”
Turkish youths put a bag over the head of a US Marine in the western Turkish city of Izmir today.
1⃣- A soldier from the US aircraft carrier USS Wasp docked in the port of Izmir.
2⃣- The youth belong to the “Turkish Youth Union”, the youth structure of the “Homeland” Party, and they chanted while doing so… pic.twitter.com/gAnvnpEavl— Nasir Ali Oglu – Nasir Ali Oglu (@NasirAliOglu) September 2, 2024
For its part, the Turkish Youth Union (TGB) claimed responsibility for the attack, via a video clip it posted on its account on the X platform.
“American soldiers who have the blood of our soldiers and thousands of Palestinians on their hands cannot defile our country. Every time you set foot on this land, we will meet you the way you deserve,” the Turkish Youth Union said.
In mid-August, the aircraft carrier conducted maneuvers with Turkish military ships in the Mediterranean.
Turkish media outlets close to the opposition have placed these maneuvers in the category of supporting Israel, but the Turkish Ministry of Defense has rejected these criticisms, stressing that the maneuvers are routine.
