Navy Probes Marine Attack in Turkey as Security Fears Grow

Two U.S. Marines were attacked in Turkey, prompting a formal investigation by the U.S. Navy and raising concerns about the safety of American military personnel abroad.

At a Glance

Two U.S. Marines from the USS Wasp were attacked during a port visit in Izmir, Turkey.
The Marines were “on liberty” and in plain clothes when the incident occurred
15 members of a nationalist youth organization were detained in connection with the assault.
The attack was captured on video, showing attempts to put a sack over one Marine’s head.
Both Marines are safe and have returned to their ship after precautionary medical evaluation.

Attack on U.S. Marines in Turkey

In a concerning incident that has caught the attention of military officials and the public alike, two U.S. Marines were attacked while on shore leave in Izmir, Turkey. The Marines, who were part of the USS Wasp’s crew, were assaulted by members of a nationalist youth organization, raising questions about the safety of American military personnel in foreign ports.

The attack occurred while the Marines were “on liberty,” a term used to describe off-duty time for service members. U.S. Navy Cmdr. Timothy Gorman, a spokesperson for the U.S. Sixth Fleet, confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is underway.

Details of the Assault

The assault, which was captured on video, showed a group of young men attempting to place a sack over one of the Marines’ heads while chanting anti-American slogans. The attackers, identified as members of the Turkish Youth Union affiliated with the Patriotic Party, were heard shouting “Yankee, go home!” and other anti-U.S. sentiments.

“US soldiers, who carry the blood of our soldiers and thousands of Palestinians on their hands, cannot defile our country.” – Youth Union of Turkey statement

In response to the attack, Turkish authorities swiftly detained 15 individuals believed to be involved in the assault. This prompt action demonstrates the seriousness with which the Turkish government is treating the incident, recognizing the potential diplomatic implications.

U.S. Military Response and Investigation

The U.S. Navy has launched a formal investigation into the attack, working in conjunction with local Izmir police and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The Marines involved in the incident have been cooperative with investigators, and no U.S. personnel have been detained.

“Local Izmir police and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service are cooperating in an investigation of the incident,” – U.S. Navy Cmdr. Timothy Gorman, U.S. Sixth Fleet spokesperson

As a precautionary measure, the two Marines were taken to a local hospital for evaluation following the attack. They have since been cleared and have returned to their ship, the USS Wasp, which is currently on a routine deployment to the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

Implications for U.S.-Turkey Relations

This incident occurs at a time when the U.S. military is actively working to maintain a strong presence in the region and deter potential conflicts. The USS Wasp’s visit to Izmir was part of a scheduled port call following a joint training exercise with Turkish forces in the Mediterranean, highlighting the ongoing military cooperation between the two NATO allies.

However, the attack serves as a stark reminder of the complex relationship between the United States and Turkey, and the anti-American sentiment that exists among certain groups within the country. It also echoes a similar incident from 2014 when American sailors were attacked in Istanbul by members of the same nationalist group.

As the investigation continues, both U.S. and Turkish officials will be working to ensure that such incidents do not undermine the strategic partnership between the two nations. The U.S. Embassy in Turkey has thanked Turkish authorities for their swift response and ongoing investigation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic ties despite this unfortunate event.