Two US military service members were “physically attacked” in the port city of Izmir in western Turkey on Monday by members of an anti-American youth group, authorities said. The incident occurred while the sailors were part of the crew of the USS Wasp, an American amphibious assault ship docked in Izmir since September 1.
Fifteen suspected assailants were detained in the attack on the two service members, who were dressed in civilian clothing at the time of the incident. Five other US service members joined in the incident after seeing the violent encounter, officials said.
Those detained were members of the Turkey Youth Union (TGB), a youth offshoot of the nationalist opposition Vatan Party. The TGB has a history of anti-American sentiment, previously attacking US servicemen in 2014 and 2021.
The attack came as the USS Wasp was in Izmir for a scheduled port visit following joint training with Turkish military ships in the Mediterranean. The ship has been deployed in the region amid rising tensions between Hezbollah and Israel along the border with Lebanon, and has a capacity for 1,075 crewmembers and 2,200 embarked troops.
The US embassy in Turkey confirmed the assault, saying the service members were safe. “We can confirm reports that US service members embarked aboard the USS Wasp were the victims of an assault in İzmir today, and are now safe,” the US embassy to Turkey said on X. “We thank Turkish authorities for their rapid response and ongoing investigation.”
An apparent TGB social media account posted a video on X that purported to show a group of men holding a US soldier and placing a white hood over his head. The men chanted “Yankee go home!” as one assailant wrapped a bag around the unidentified victim’s shaved head.
The video, which has been viewed nearly 235,000 times, quickly went viral. It is not clear who committed the attack, although the social-media post implied it was by a group called the Youth Union of Turkey, a prominent Turkish youth organization that is overtly anti-American. The TGB’s anti-American stance stems from their perception that the US is responsible for the deaths of Turkish soldiers and Palestinians. The group also opposes Turkey’s bid to join the European Union.
The TGB has a history of attacking US servicemen. In 2014, three sailors from the USS Ross were attacked by Youth Union members, who also chanted “Yankee, go home!” as they tried to wrap bags over their victims’ heads during a stop in Istanbul, according to Fox 59. In a statement posted to the group’s website at the time, members said they were protesting American “imperialism” in the Middle East and throughout the world.
The incident in Izmir highlights the deep fissures on display over the war in Gaza, even among NATO allies. Turkey has been the most vocal member of the military alliance calling for a permanent ceasefire and has suspended all trade with Israel over its conduct in Gaza. Turkey’s stance against the US and its allies is not new, as the country has increasingly aligned itself with Russia and other anti-Western powers. This has put a strain on Turkey’s relationship with the US, particularly given the country’s membership in NATO.
This incident underscores the complexity of the situation in the region and the challenges faced by the US in maintaining its alliances and interests in the Middle East. It also serves as a reminder of the volatile nature of relations between Turkey and the US. As the US continues to support Israel in the face of growing international pressure, it is likely that the tensions between Turkey and the US will continue to escalate.
The USS Wasp and its Role in the Region
The USS Wasp is an amphibious assault ship that is currently on duty in the Mediterranean. The ship is part of a naval buildup in the eastern Mediterranean as the Pentagon works to deter Iran from attacking Israel in retaliation for the assassination of a top Hamas official in Tehran in July. The Wasp Amphibious Ready Group has been on duty in the Mediterranean since late June. The ARG is part of a naval buildup in the eastern Mediterranean as the Pentagon works to deter Iran from attacking Israel in retaliation for the assassination of a top Hamas official in Tehran in July.
The Aftermath of the Attack
Following the attack, Turkish authorities quickly detained 15 members of the TGB. A judicial investigation has been initiated regarding the matter. The US embassy in Turkey has thanked the Turkish authorities for their rapid response and ongoing investigation.
A Developing Story
The attack in Izmir is a developing story and further details are expected to emerge. The US Navy has confirmed that it is investigating the incident and is working to confirm the details of what occurred. As the situation unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor the response of the US and Turkish governments, as well as the broader implications for the relationship between the two countries.
The Implications of the Attack
This attack has several implications for the relationship between the US and Turkey. First, it highlights the growing anti-American sentiment in Turkey, which is being fueled by a number of factors, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Turkey’s frustration with the US’s support for Israel, and Turkey’s own ambitions for regional power. Second, the attack could further strain relations between the US and Turkey, particularly at a time when the two countries are already facing significant challenges in their relationship. Third, the attack could serve as a rallying cry for anti-American groups in Turkey and beyond, and could embolden them to carry out similar attacks in the future. The incident has served as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by the US in maintaining its alliances and interests in the Middle East.
