A mob of Turkish nationalists attacked U.S. Marines in western Turkey on Monday, ensuing within the arrests of 15 individuals.
The incident passed off in Izmir, which is positioned on Turkey’s Aegean coast. In an announcement, the Izmir governor’s workplace mentioned the assailants belonged to the Youth Union of Turkey, which is related to the nationalist Vatan Get together.
The governor mentioned that the victims, who have been assigned to the USS Wasp, have been “bodily attacked.” The service members have been recognized as “troopers” by authorities, however are U.S. Marines.
Video posted to social media confirmed service members in civilian clothes yelling for assist as they have been restrained by a bunch of anti-American males.
The footage additionally exhibits an attacker throwing a plastic bag onto a sufferer’s head as the group chanted, “Yankee, go dwelling!”
5 U.S. service members intervened throughout the incident, and authorities finally arrested all 15 of the lads who attacked the Marines.
The U.S. Embassy in Turkey confirmed the incident in an announcement revealed on social media on Monday, and mentioned that the Marines are protected.
“We will verify studies that U.S. service members embarked aboard the usWasp have been the victims of an assault in İzmir at this time, and at the moment are protected,” the embassy mentioned.
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“We thank Turkish authorities for his or her fast response and ongoing investigation.”
The U.S. Navy mentioned the 2 Marines, aided by different Marines within the space, have been taken to an area hospital as a precaution however weren’t injured, including that the attacked Marines have returned to the usWasp.
“Native Izmir police and the Naval Prison Investigative Service are cooperating in an investigation of the incident. No Marines have been detained by authorities and people concerned are cooperating with investigators,” U.S. Navy Cmdr. Timothy Gorman, U.S. Sixth Fleet spokesperson mentioned in an announcement.
In an announcement obtained by Reuters, the Youth Union of Turkey mentioned the assault was “deserved” and criticized U.S. help of Israel.
“U.S. troopers who carry the blood of our troopers and hundreds of Palestinians on their arms can not soiled our nation,” the nationalists mentioned. “Each time you step foot in these lands, we’ll meet you the best way you deserve.”
Reuters contributed to this report.