On Monday, a group of individuals assaulted U.S. soldiers in western Turkey, leading to the arrest of 15 people.
The incident occurred in İzmir, a city on Turkey’s Aegean coast. According to a statement from the Izmir governor’s office, the assailants were members of the Youth Union of Turkey, an organization associated with the nationalist Vatan Party.
The governor reported that the soldiers, who were assigned to the USS Wasp, were “physically attacked.” Video footage shared on social media captured soldiers in civilian clothing calling for help as they were restrained by a group of men opposed to the United States.
The video also shows one of the attackers throwing a plastic bag onto a soldier’s head while the crowd chanted, “Yankee Go Home!”
Five U.S. soldiers intervened during the incident, and authorities apprehended all 15 individuals involved in the attack.
The U.S. Embassy in Turkey confirmed the incident in a statement posted on social media on Monday, assuring the public that the soldiers are safe.
“We can confirm reports that U.S. service members embarked aboard the USS Wasp were the victims of an assault in İzmir today, and are now safe,” the embassy stated.
“We thank Turkish authorities for their rapid response and ongoing investigation.”
In a statement obtained by Reuters, the Youth Union of Turkey defended the attack, calling it “deserved” and criticizing U.S. support of Israel.
“U.S. soldiers who carry the blood of our soldiers and thousands of Palestinians on their hands cannot dirty our country,” the nationalist group said. “Every time you step foot in these lands, we will meet you the way you deserve.”
Reuters contributed to this report.