Video: ‘The way you deserve…,’ Radical group assaults US soldiers in Turkey

The US embassy in Turkey said that a nationalist Turkish youth group on Monday (Sep 2) assaulted two US soldiers in the western part of the country, leading to the arrest of at least 15 individuals.

In a statement, the Izmir governor’s office said members of the Turkey Youth Union (TGB) “physically attacked” two US soldiers dressed as civilians in the Konak district.

The statement added that five US soldiers got involved as the incident unfolded, before an intervention by police. All 15 attackers were subsequently detained and an investigation was launched.

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White House ‘troubled’

A statement by the White House on Monday said it was “troubled” by the incident and that it was “appreciative that Turkish police are taking this matter seriously and holding those responsible accountable”.

The US embassy in Turkey later said all US soldiers were safe. “We can confirm reports that US service members embarked aboard the USS Wasp were the victims of an assault in Izmir today, and are now safe,” it said on social media platform X.

TGB releases video

Turkey Youth Union (TGB) is a youth group which holds anti-US views. The group is backed by the Turkish "Vatan Party," a nationalist political party in Turkey.

The group is a staunch critic of Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Islamic-rooted party. It follows the principles of modern Turkey’s founding father Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

A video of the attack later emerged on social media, showing a group of people assaulting a man and putting white hood over his head amidst sloganeering.

“US soldiers who carry the blood of our soldiers and thousands of Palestinians on their hands cannot dirty our country. Every time you step foot in these lands, we will meet you the way you deserve,” TGB said.

US-Turkey relations

The relations between the two nations have nosedived over the past years as Washington seeks closer ties with Syrian Kurds, who Ankara sees as extremists.

Meanwhile, the acquisition of Russia’s S-400 defence system by Turkey has also caused unease in the US.

Watch:Economic crisis looms in Turkey: Turkish workers bear the brunt of economic crisis

Differences have also emerged over the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, with Erdogan going all out against the Jewish nation, a key ally of Washington.

(With inputs from agencies)