ANKARA, Turkey: A nationalist Turkish youth group, the Turkey Youth Union (TGB), attacked two US soldiers in civilian clothing in Izmir, western Turkey, on Monday, prompting condemnation from the US and Turkish authorities.
The Izmir governor’s office reported that 15 members of the TGB, a youth wing of the nationalist opposition Vatan Party, assaulted the soldiers in the Konak district. Five additional U.S. soldiers intervened to help their colleagues, and police subsequently detained all 15 assailants, launching an investigation.
The White House expressed concern over the assault but commended the Turkish police for their swift response and accountability measures. The US Embassy in Turkey confirmed the safety of the soldiers, who were from the USS Wasp, an amphibious assault ship visiting Izmir. The TGB posted a video of the attack on social media, showing them placing a white hood over one of the soldiers’ heads while chanting slogans. The group condemned the US military presence, referencing ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Relations between the US and Turkey have been strained in recent years due to the US alliance with Syrian Kurdish groups, Turkey’s acquisition of Russian S-400 defence systems, and disagreements over the Gaza conflict.
However, recent diplomatic efforts, including Turkey’s involvement in a US-Russia prisoner exchange, have shown some promise for improved bilateral relations.