Fifteen Arrested After US Marines Assault in Turkey

Turkish authorities have detained 15 members of the Turkish Youth Union, an ultranationalist group, following an assault on two U.S. Marines in Izmir. The incident occurred when the Marines, on shore leave from the USS Wasp, were attacked by the group, which shouted 'Yankee go home' and placed a sack over one Marine's head, reminiscent of a notorious event in Iraq in 2003. The U.S. Embassy confirmed the Marines are safe and expressed appreciation for the Turkish police's swift response. This assault reflects ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Turkey, particularly amid heightened anti-American sentiment in the region. The Turkish Youth Union has a history of similar aggressive protests against U.S. military personnel. Following the incident, five additional Marines intervened to assist their colleagues before local police arrived.