2 US Service Members Attacked in Turkey

Two US Marines recently found themselves the targets of an anti-American assault in Turkey, September 3 reports say.

At a Glance

Two US Marines from the USS Wasp were reportedly attacked by a nationalist youth group in Izmir, Turkey.
Turkish authorities detained a number of members of the group linked to the assault.
The marines, unharmed, have returned to their ship after a hospital evaluation.
US and Turkish officials are investigating the incident, emphasizing the broader US-Turkey relations.

Attack Details and Immediate Response

Two US Marines from the USS Wasp were attacked by members of the Turkish Youth Union, an anti-American youth organization, in Izmir, Turkey, according to recent reports. A number of reports have stated Turkish authorities detained 15 individuals connected to this nationalist group, although one recent report placed the number of people arrested at 10. During the attack, the Marines were in plain clothes and were on shore leave during the USS Wasp’s scheduled port visit.

The marines were promptly taken to a local hospital for medical evaluation. They sustained no injuries and have since returned to their ship. Both the local Izmir police and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) are actively investigating the incident, according to reports.

Broader US-Turkey Relations

The attack occurred allegedly in a city often frequented by international visitors and amid broader geopolitical tensions between the two nations. The timing coincides with increased scrutiny over US foreign policy and its implications in the Middle East, especially relating to Turkey’s contentious position regarding Gaza.

The US National Security Council, expressing concern over the assault, appreciates the swift response from Turkish police. “We are troubled by this assault on U.S. service members and are appreciative that Turkish police are taking this matter seriously and holding those responsible accountable,” said National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett.

Two U.S. Marines Attacked in Turkey by Nationalist Youth Group – Turkish officials said they had detained 15 members of the group. The two servicemen had returned to the ship and were safe, U.S. officials said. via @nytimes:https://t.co/sMLOin1lSQ

— Olav Mitchell Underdal (@omunderdal) September 3, 2024

Safety and Security of US Service Members

The Marines’ safety has been underlined by statements from the US Embassy confirming their well-being and applauding Turkish authorities for their efficient handling of the incident. Notably, similar incidents have occurred previously, including a 2014 attack in Istanbul by the same nationalist group.

The assault also came at a time when the USS Wasp was in Izmir following a joint training exercise with Turkey in the Mediterranean. The US Sixth Fleet announced that no Marines were injured and all have safely returned to their vessel. The Turkish Youth Union suggested the attack was a result of US support for Israel and US soldiers having “the blood of thousands of Palestinians” on their hands.

Conclusion

As Turkey remains a NATO member and a key ally to the United States, incidents such as these provoke significant diplomatic implications. Although acts of violence against American service members are rare, they shed light on existing anti-American sentiments within fringe groups in the region. The U.S. Embassy’s reassurance of the Marines’ safety and the ongoing investigations are pivotal steps in addressing the incident’s aftermath.

The US continues to monitor the situation, ensuring the protection of its service members abroad amid volatile geopolitical landscapes.