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Two US Marines were assaulted by protesters in Turkey while on a port stop in the country.
No one will be able to respond to the cries for help from U.S. soldiers. Your hands are stained with the blood of our brave soldiers and thousands of Palestinians.
— TGB International (@YouthUnionTR) September 2, 2024
You will leave our lands!@USEmbassyTurkey@DeptofDefense pic.twitter.com/3NNDYIWhiC
What’s the deal: Video obtained from the incident showed two US Marines with the USS Wasp being assaulted by members of the Youth Union of Turkey (TGB) in the city of Izmir. The protesters placed hoods over the heads of the Marines and shouted anti-American slogans, including “Yankee go home.” Turkish authorities detained 15 TGB members in connection with the assault, and the incident is currently under investigation by local police and the US Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
More on TGB & their statement: The Youth Union of Turkey (TGB) is a nationalist, left-wing organization in Turkey known for its strong anti-American stance and activism. The group has a history of protesting against US military presence in Turkey. In a statement, the group said, “US soldiers, who carry the blood of our soldiers and thousands of Palestinians on their hands, cannot defile our country.”
Why were US Marines in Turkey?: The Marines, who were on a port call in Turkey, just recently wrapped up joint military exercises with Turkish military personnel in the Mediterranean. These joint drills led to criticism from some who argue that Turkey should distance itself from the United States because it’s enabling “genocide” in Gaza.
US statements: Following the incident, Commander Timothy Gorman, a spokesman for US Naval Forces Europe-Africa, said, “The two Marines were aided by other Marines in the area and were subsequently taken to a local hospital for evaluation as a precaution but were not injured and have returned to the USS Wasp.”
The US embassy in Turkey also reacted, saying, “We can confirm reports that US service members embarked aboard the USS Wasp were the victims of an assault in İzmir today, and are now safe. We thank Turkish authorities for their rapid response and ongoing investigation.”
