On Monday, September 2, a nationalist Turkish youth group assaulted two U.S. soldiers in western Turkey, leading to the arrest of at least 15 individuals, according to the U.S. Embassy in Turkey.
The attack took place in the Konak district of Izmir and involved members of the Turkey Youth Union (TGB), a group known for its strong anti-U.S. sentiments.
Details of the attack on soldiers
The Izmir governor’s office reported that the incident began when TGB members “physically attacked” two U.S. soldiers who were off-duty and dressed in civilian clothing.
As the situation escalated, five more U.S. soldiers became involved before local police intervened. All 15 attackers were detained, and authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. The White House expressed concern over the attack, stating it was “troubled” by the incident but “appreciative that Turkish police are taking this matter seriously and holding those responsible accountable.”
The U.S. Embassy in Turkey later confirmed that all U.S. soldiers involved were safe. “We can confirm reports that U.S. service members embarked aboard the USS Wasp were the victims of an assault in Izmir today, and are now safe,” the embassy stated on social media platform X.
Background on the Turkey Youth Union (TGB)
The Turkey Youth Union (TGB) is a nationalist youth organization with a history of anti-U.S. rhetoric. The group is closely aligned with the Vatan Party, a nationalist political party in Turkey that opposes the policies of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Islamic-rooted government. TGB adheres to the principles of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. A video of the attack circulated on social media, showing a group of people assaulting a man and placing a white hood over his head while chanting anti-U.S. slogans. The TGB later released a statement saying, “U.S. soldiers who carry the blood of our soldiers and thousands of Palestinians on their hands cannot dirty our country. Every time you step foot in these lands, we will meet you the way you deserve.”
Strained U.S.-Turkey relations
This incident comes at a time of increasingly strained relations between the U.S. and Turkey. Tensions have been rising as Washington has pursued closer ties with Syrian Kurds, whom Ankara considers terrorists.
Additionally, Turkey’s acquisition of Russia’s S-400 missile defense system has caused significant unease in the U.S., leading to further friction between the two NATO allies. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has also added to the discord. President Erdogan has taken a strong stance against Israel, a key U.S. ally, exacerbating existing tensions between Ankara and Washington. As investigations into the assault continue, the incident underscores the growing complexities in U.S.-Turkey relations, with nationalist sentiments in Turkey contributing to the challenges facing diplomatic ties between the two nations.