The U.S. Navy is investigating an incident in which two U.S. Marines were attacked in Turkey, highlighting ongoing security issues for American military personnel abroad.
At a Glance
- Two Marines from the USS Wasp were attacked during a port visit in Izmir, Turkey.
- The incident occurred while the Marines were “on liberty.”
- The attackers were detained, and the Marines have returned to their ship.
- The Naval Criminal Investigative Service is leading the investigation.
- The attack was captured on video and shared on social media.
Details of the Attack
Two U.S. Marines from the USS Wasp were assaulted during a port visit in Izmir, Turkey. The incident occurred while the Marines were “on liberty,” a term used to describe authorized off-ship activity. Both Marines were taken to a local hospital for evaluation and have since returned to their ship, according to officials.
The assault was captured on video, showing a man placing a bag over one Marine’s head while several attackers chanted anti-American slogans. This attack underscores persistent security challenges faced by U.S. military personnel stationed abroad.
Local Izmir police and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service are investigating the incident. The Turkish Youth Union, affiliated with the Patriotic Party, was involved in the attack, and 15 individuals were detained in connection with the assault. The U.S. Embassy confirmed the safety of the assaulted service members, stating that no Marines were detained and those involved are cooperating with investigators.
Security Implications
The attack highlights the vulnerabilities U.S. military personnel face while stationed abroad. The incident has triggered a broader discussion on the adequacy of current security measures. The Navy has not disclosed additional details about the incident, maintaining a tight-lipped position as investigations continue.
“Local Izmir police and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service are cooperating in an investigation of the incident,” said U.S. Navy Cmdr. Timothy Gorman of the U.S. Sixth Fleet.
The attack is reminiscent of a similar incident in 2014 where American sailors were assaulted by the same group in Istanbul. It’s part of a worrying trend that necessitates improved protective measures for U.S. troops. The USS Wasp was in Izmir for a scheduled port visit following joint exercises with Turkey in the Mediterranean. The visit is part of a broader U.S. Navy strategy to deter conflict in the Middle East.
U.S. Embassy in Ankara: “We can confirm that U.S. military personnel aboard the USS Wasp were attacked in Izmir today and are now safe.
We would like to thank the Turkish authorities for their swift response and investigation into the incident.” https://t.co/WrCegkX7T1
— War Watch (@WarWatchs) September 2, 2024
Investigative Efforts
The Pentagon and the U.S. Embassy in Turkey are actively involved in the investigation. A spokesperson from the U.S. Embassy in Turkey expressed gratitude for the swift action taken by local authorities and confirmed the Marines’ safety. The Embassy’s statement reiterated their ongoing cooperation with Turkish authorities to ensure justice and prevent further incidents.
The sailors were part of the U.S. Navy’s Wasp Amphibious Readiness Group on a routine deployment. The motive behind the assault remains unclear, but it has been suggested it is tied to anti-American sentiments. The Youth Union of Turkey, which was implicated in the attack, made statements condemning U.S. military presence in the country.
Efforts are expected to be intensified to bolster security protocols for U.S. troops abroad. The recent attack is a glaring reminder of the ever-present risks associated with military deployments in volatile regions.
