Turkish nationalist rioters attacked a U.S. Marine unit in western Turkey on Monday, leading to the arrest of 15 people.
The attack took place in Izmir, on Turkey's Aegean coast. The Izmir governor's office said in a statement that the attackers were members of the Turkish Youth Union, which has ties to the nationalist Vatan Party.
The governor said the victims, who were assigned to the USS Wasp, were “physically attacked.” Authorities identified the victims as “soldiers,” but they are U.S. Marines.
Videos posted on social media showed soldiers in civilian clothes screaming for help as they were held captive by a group of anti-American men.
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Shocking video footage shows Marines assigned to the USS Wasp being attacked by Turkish nationalists. (@genclikbirlgi via X)
The footage also shows the attacker throwing a plastic bag at the victim's head as the crowd chant “Go home, Yankees!”
Five U.S. soldiers intervened, and authorities ultimately arrested all 15 of the men who attacked the Marines.
The U.S. Embassy in Turkey confirmed the incident in a statement on social media on Monday and said the Marines were safe.
“We can confirm reports that US service members aboard the USS Wasp were victims of an attack in Izmir today and are now safe,” the embassy said.
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Crew members of the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD-1) docked in the port of Limassol, Limassol, Cyprus, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, amid rising tensions in the Middle East. (Danil Shamkin/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
“We thank the Turkish authorities for their swift response and their ongoing investigation.”
In a statement seen by Reuters, the Turkish Youth Union said the attack was “deserved” and criticised U.S. support for Israel.
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Members of the Turkish Youth Union (TGB) rally outside the U.S. Embassy to protest against envoys from 10 countries over their remarks on the Osman Kavala case, in Ankara, Turkey, October 25, 2021. (Efrim Aydin/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
“Our country cannot be sullied by American soldiers who have shed the blood of our soldiers and thousands of Palestinians,” the nationalists argued. “Every time you set foot on our soil, we will treat you the way you deserve.”
Reuters contributed to this report.
