Turkey arrested 15 people of anti-American group
Turkey: Turkey authorities detained 15 members of an anti-American youth group for allegedly assaulting two US military personnel in Izmir on Monday, state-run Anadolu news agency reported. The Turkish Youth Union affiliated with the Patriotic Party was involved in the attack. The party is a small nationalist political group that does not have parliamentary seats. The US embassy confirmed the incident, saying that the service members on the USS Wasp are “now safe.” National Security Council spokesman Sean Savet commented, “We are disturbed by this attack on US service members and we appreciate that Turkish police are taking this matter seriously and holding those responsible accountable.”
Details of the incident
The group posted a video of the incident on social media platform X, showing some people shouting “Yankee go home!” while they tried to place sacks over the heads of soldiers who disembarked from the USS Wasp. The video shows one man being restrained while others attempt to cover his head with a sack. The Turkish Youth Union claimed responsibility for the attack, saying on X, “American soldiers who carry the blood of our soldiers and thousands of Palestinians on their hands cannot pollute our country.” This statement reflects their strong anti-American sentiment.
Background Information
The USS Wasp arrived in Izmir on Sunday after completing a joint training exercise with Turkish strike ships in the Mediterranean Sea. The presence of American military personnel in Turkey has been a point of controversy for some nationalist groups. The detained individuals were arrested following a prosecutor’s order. This quick action by Turkish authorities reflects their commitment to promptly address such incidents.
Authorities have not released further details about the identities of those detained or any potential charges they may face. The situation remains under investigation as officials work to ensure accountability.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between nationalist groups and the foreign military presence in Turkey. It underscores the challenges faced by international forces operating in areas with strong nationalist sentiments. Efforts to maintain diplomatic relations between Turkey and the United States continue amid such incidents. Both countries aim to address security concerns while respecting each other’s sovereignty and interests.
The quick response of the Turkish police has been acknowledged by US officials, who appreciate the seriousness with which the matter is being handled. Ensuring the safety of military personnel remains a priority for both countries.
The event is a reminder of the complexities involved in international military cooperation and the need for vigilance against extremist actions. It also emphasizes the importance of diplomatic efforts to defuse such tensions.
