A small crowd in Izmir, Turkey, assaulted two US Marines who were on liberty in the city. The Marines, assigned to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, were attacked by several people who held them by force and put a bag over one Marine’s head. The crowd chanted “Yankee, go home!” as one Marine shouted for help. The Marines were able to break away with the assistance of others and were unhurt in the incident. They have returned to the USS Wasp, and investigations are underway by local police and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
The US Navy confirmed the assault on the Marines in Izmir and thanked Turkish authorities for their quick response and assistance. The US Embassy in Turkey also acknowledged the incident and assured that the service members are now safe. Local police intervened in the situation, taking 15 suspects into custody for their involvement in the assault. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is part of the USS Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, which is stationed in the eastern Mediterranean Sea amid regional tensions.
Video footage of the assault on the Marines showed the disturbing nature of the incident, with the Marines being forcibly held by the crowd as they shouted for help. Despite the aggressive behavior towards the Marines, they managed to escape and seek help. The incident sparked concerns about the safety and security of US military personnel in foreign countries, leading to investigations by both local authorities and US military agencies.
The assault on the Marines in Izmir highlighted the potential dangers faced by service members when off-duty in foreign cities. The Marines were on liberty in Izmir when the incident occurred and were able to safely return to their ship. The rapid response of Turkish authorities and the ongoing investigation into the assault demonstrates the importance of maintaining diplomatic relations and cooperation between countries when such incidents occur.
The USS Wasp Amphibious Ready Group had pulled into Izmir the day before the assault, allowing Marines to go ashore for a break. The attack on the Marines raises questions about the security measures in place for US military personnel when visiting foreign ports. The swift actions taken by the Marines and their colleagues to escape the crowd reflect their training and readiness in dealing with unexpected threats while on liberty.
Overall, the assault on the US Marines in Izmir was a concerning incident that highlighted the need for vigilance and safety protocols for military personnel stationed abroad. The cooperation between US and Turkish authorities in investigating the assault and apprehending suspects is crucial for ensuring justice and preventing future incidents. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by service members serving in volatile regions and emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic relations to address security concerns effectively.
