A nationalist Turkish youth group, the Turkey Youth Union (TGB), physically assaulted two U.S. soldiers in western Turkey, according to the U.S. Embassy in Turkey and the local governor’s office. The incident took place in the Konak district of Izmir, where five U.S. soldiers intervened and police eventually detained 15 assailants. The U.S. soldiers were reported to be safe after the attack.
The TGB posted a video on social media showing the group holding down a man, who they claimed was a soldier aboard the USS Wasp, an amphibious assault ship visiting Izmir. The group shouted slogans and put a white hood over the man’s head in the video. The U.S. Embassy had stated earlier that the USS Wasp was on a port visit to Izmir.
The TGB stated that U.S. soldiers with blood on their hands from conflicts involving Turkish and Palestinian lives could not be allowed to disrespect their country. They warned that any U.S. soldiers stepping foot in Turkey would be met with opposition. The incident prompted an investigation by local authorities.
Overall, the attack on the U.S. soldiers in Turkey by the nationalist group sparked tensions between the two countries and raised concerns about the safety of foreign military personnel in the region.
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