15 Members of Anti-American Youth Organization Detained in Izmir Following Assault on U.S. Military Personnel
ANKARA, Turkey — Turkish authorities on Monday apprehended 15 members of an anti-American youth organization who attacked two U.S. military personnel in Izmir. Local reports indicate that these individuals are associated with the Turkish Youth Union, linked to the Patriotic Party, a small nationalist political group. The detentions were carried out on the directives of a prosecutor.
The U.S. Embassy has confirmed the safety of the service members involved, stating that they were onboard the USS Wasp and are “now safe.” A spokesman for the National Security Council expressed concern regarding the incident and commended Turkish authorities for addressing the assault seriously and holding the perpetrators accountable.
The group involved in the incident shared a video showing them placing sacks over the heads of soldiers disembarking from the USS Wasp. The footage depicted members shouting “Yankee go home!” as they restrained a soldier.
In their statement, the organization expressed their stance, claiming, "The U.S. soldiers who carry the blood of our soldiers and thousands of Palestinians on their hands cannot pollute our country."
The USS Wasp had arrived in Izmir on Sunday, following joint training exercises with Turkish forces in the Mediterranean. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions regarding U.S. military presence in the region.
