Turkish authorities have arrested ten members of the nationalist and Kemalist group Turkish Youth Union (TGB) following an assault on two US soldiers in İzmir on Monday. The incident, which involved the attackers placing a plastic bag over one of the soldier’s heads, has drawn swift condemnation from both Ankara and Washington.
The incident occurred at approximately 16:00 local time on Kıbrıs Şehitleri Caddesi, a bustling street in central İzmir. According to the İzmir Governor’s Office, a group of 15 TGB members—13 men and two women—confronted the US service members, who are currently assigned to the USS Wasp, an amphibious assault ship docked in the Aegean port city.
Footage of the assault, shared by the TGB on X (formerly Twitter), shows the US soldier being forcefully held while the group chants anti-American slogans. The act, described by the TGB as a symbolic retaliation, echoes a 2003 incident in which US forces detained Turkish soldiers in Iraq, placing hoods over their heads—a moment that remains deeply contentious among Turkish nationalists.
“The American soldiers, who carry the blood of our soldiers and thousands of Palestinians on their hands, cannot defile our country,” the TGB stated in their post. The video has since sparked widespread outrage, with calls for legal action against the perpetrators.
The US Embassy in Ankara responded promptly, confirming that the targeted service members were safe, and expressing gratitude for rapid intervention of the authorities. “We thank Turkish authorities for their swift response and ongoing investigation,” the Embassy said in a statement shared on X.
In Washington, a White House spokesperson expressed concern over the incident but praised the Turkish police for their decisive action. “We are disturbed by the attack but appreciate that the Turkish authorities are treating the matter with the seriousness it deserves,” the spokesperson told Reuters.
By Tuesday, Turkish authorities had arrested ten members of the TGB, including the group’s leader, Kayahan Çetin. The other five individuals were released on bail. The reason for the arrest, according to official sources, is “deprivation of liberty,” a charge likely related to the group’s actions during the assault.
The USS Wasp, currently participating in joint exercises with Turkish naval forces, has been at the centre of heightened media scrutiny in Turkey, particularly over speculation that the exercises are linked to Israeli interests. However, the Turkish Ministry of Defence has refuted these claims, insisting that the drills are routine and unrelated to any political agenda.
The incident has reignited tensions between nationalist groups in Turkey and the US military presence in the region. While the Turkish government has maintained its commitment to NATO and its alliance with the United States, incidents like this highlight the underlying friction that occasionally disrupts the relationship.
As the investigation continues, the arrests of the TGB members signal Turkey’s intent to quell any further escalation. The US Embassy has urged for calm and expressed confidence in the Turkish legal process to ensure justice is served.
