Nationalist Turkish Youth Group Attacks US Soldiers in Izmir, 15 Detained
A nationalist Turkish youth group assaulted two US soldiers in civilian clothing in Izmir, western Turkey, on Monday, leading to the detention of 15 individuals, according to statements from the US Embassy in Turkey and the Izmir governor’s office.
The Izmir governor’s office reported that members of the Turkey Youth Union (TGB), the youth wing of the nationalist opposition Vatan Party, “physically attacked” two US soldiers in the Konak district. The incident escalated when five additional US soldiers, witnessing the assault, intervened before local police arrived and detained the 15 attackers. An investigation into the incident has been launched.
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The White House expressed concern over the assault, with a spokesperson stating, “Washington is troubled by the assault but appreciative that Turkish police are taking this matter seriously and holding those responsible accountable.”
The US Embassy in Turkey confirmed the safety of the US service members. “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 embassy posted on the social media platform X.
The Turkey Youth Union (TGB) released a video on X showing a group of men holding down one of the US soldiers and placing a white hood over his head while shouting anti-American slogans. The TGB claimed responsibility for the assault, condemning the US military presence in Turkey, and stated, “US soldiers who carry the blood of our soldiers and thousands of Palestinians on their hands cannot dirty our country.”
