U.S. Service Members Attacked in Turkey, Anti-American Group Suspected
Two U.S. service members were attacked on Monday in Izmir, western Turkey, by members of an anti-American youth group, the Turkey Youth Union (TGB).
The attack occurred while the service members, dressed in civilian clothes, were in the port city during a visit by the USS Wasp. Fifteen suspects were detained following the incident, which escalated when five other U.S. service members intervened. Turkish police quickly responded, and an investigation is ongoing.
The U.S. Embassy in Turkey confirmed the safety of the service members and expressed gratitude for the swift action taken by Turkish authorities. A video allegedly posted by TGB on social media shows a U.S. soldier with a white hood placed over his head, with the group issuing anti-American statements.
The USS Wasp’s visit to Izmir follows joint military exercises with Turkey, coinciding with increased U.S. military presence in the Middle East amid the Israel-Gaza conflict.
