Turkish youth group members arrested for assaulting US soldiers in Izmir

Members of the the Turkish Youth Union (TGB) organisation assaulted two US soldiers in Izmir, western Turkey, according to the US embassy and local authorities.

The soldiers, dressed in civilian clothes, were attacked in the Konak district, prompting five other American soldiers to intervene.

Turkish later police detained 15 assailants, and an investigation is underway.

The US embassy confirmed the incident, stating that the soldiers, part of the USS Wasp crew, are now safe.

The White House expressed concern over the attack but acknowledged Turkish authorities' swift response.

Turkey's US Embassy also confirmed the attack and said the US soldiers were now safe.

"US soldiers with blood on their hands against our soldiers and Palestinians are not welcome in our country. Every time you step on our soil, we will give you the reception you deserve," the TGB stated.

The TGB, associated with the nationalist opposition Vatan Party, released a video showing the assault and declared their hostility towards US forces, accusing them of having "blood on their hands."

The group, known for its anti-American stance, has previously targeted US military personnel in Turkey.

Earlier, TGB posted a video on X showing a group holding down a man on the street and putting a white hood over his head, while shouting slogans.

The incident comes amid strained US-Turkey relations over issues including Turkey’s purchase of Russian defense systems and differing stances on the Israel-Gaza conflict.