At least two US officials were attacked in a brazen attack on the streets of Turkey on Monday at the hands of a nationalist youth group, according to a statement from the US Embassy in Turkey.
Video circulating on social media showed a group of men holding down one of the soldiers, dressed in civilian clothes, while placing a hood over his head and chanting “Yankee, go home!”
The Turkish Youth League (TGB), an offshoot of the far-right Vatan party, claimed responsibility for the attack, saying: “No one will be able to answer the cries for help from American soldiers. Your hands are stained with the blood of our brave soldiers and thousands of Palestinians, you will leave our countries!”
The US Embassy confirmed in a statement that the victims were US soldiers stationed aboard the USS Wasp. The amphibious assault ship is currently anchored off western Turkey for a regular port visit, according to Pentagon.
The embassy said the soldiers were safe.
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The local governor’s office in Izmir added that “5 plainclothes US soldiers saw the incident from a distance and became involved. Our police forces quickly responded to the incident.”
Fifteen members of the TGB, 13 men and two women, were arrested and a “legal investigation has been launched into the matter,” the Izmir government added.
The attack in broad daylight was a startling reminder of the deep fissures on display during the war in Gaza, even among NATO allies. Turkey has been the most vocal member of the military alliance calling for a permanent ceasefire and has suspended all trade with Israel over its conduct in Gaza.
This is an evolving story. More to follow.