U.S. Marines Assaulted During Port Visit in Izmir, Turkey. Suspects Detained and Investigation Underway

Recently, two U.S. Marines were assaulted in Izmir, Turkey, by members of the Turkish Youth Union (TGB), a nationalist and anti-American group. The incident occurred while the Marines were on liberty from the USS Wasp, an amphibious assault ship currently docked in Izmir for a scheduled port visit. The attackers placed a bag over one Marine’s head while chanting anti-American slogans. The event was captured on video, which was later shared on social media​ EFE Noticias and Stars and Stripes

Two U.S. Marines, members of the USS Wasp crew, were assaulted during a port visit in Izmir, Turkey, as reported by the U.S. Sixth Fleet on Monday. The incident occurred while the Marines were dressed in civilian attire and involved a confrontation with members of the Turkish Youth Union, a group known for its anti-American and anti-imperialist views.

2 US Marines Attacked in Turkey during port call. pic.twitter.com/Eloc55S0ij

— Kagan.Dunlap (@Kagan_M_Dunlap) September 2, 2024

The attack involved 15 individuals—two women and 13 men—who are associated with the Turkish Youth Union, a national youth and student organization with ties to Turkey’s nationalist Vatan Party. The altercation was detailed by the Izmir Governor’s office in a statement on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Following the incident, the U.S. Embassy in Turkey issued a statement via X, confirming the safety of the assaulted service members and expressing gratitude towards the Turkish authorities for their swift intervention and ongoing investigative efforts. The embassy highlighted that five off-duty U.S. soldiers witnessed the assault from afar and promptly intervened to assist their fellow service members.

🇹🇷 US Marines attacked by mob on street in Turkey

The two Marines were on shore leave from the USS Wasp when a group of 15 attacked them in the western city of Izmir Monday, putting a sack over one of their heads and chanting “Yankee, go home. pic.twitter.com/Vojisp46kR

— BiffBifford™ 🇺🇸 (@TBifford) September 3, 2024

The Sixth Fleet reported that the attacked Marines received aid from nearby colleagues and were transported to a local hospital for a medical evaluation. Fortunately, they sustained no injuries and were able to return to the USS Wasp. No Marines were detained, and all those involved are cooperating with the Turkish investigators.

In response to the altercation, local law enforcement detained 15 suspects, and a judicial investigation into the incident has been initiated, according to the Izmir Governorship.

An American marine attacked in turkey 🦃, what a NATO ally eh, don’t you think 🤔? pic.twitter.com/iHWYAivcfy

— 𝕄 (@zkhosq) September 2, 2024

The USS Wasp had docked in Izmir for a regularly scheduled port visit, as stated by the Department of Defense, which underscores the routine nature of the visit that was unfortunately marred by this unexpected violent incident.

Major Points:

• Two U.S. Marines from the USS Wasp were assaulted by members of the Turkish Youth Union during a routine port visit in Izmir, Turkey. The assailants included two women and 13 men, linked to the nationalist Vatan Party.
• The Marines, dressed in civilian clothes at the time of the attack, were quickly assisted by five off-duty U.S. soldiers who witnessed the incident.
• The U.S. Embassy in Turkey confirmed the safety of the Marines and commended the rapid response and ongoing investigation by Turkish authorities.
• Following the altercation, 15 suspects were detained by local law enforcement, and a judicial investigation was initiated.
• The USS Wasp was in Izmir for a regularly scheduled port visit, according to the Department of Defense.

Fallon Jacobson – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News