On September 2, 2024, two U.S. Marines were assaulted by a group of Turkish nationalists in Izmir.

The USS Wasp, an amphibious assault ship, recently arrived in Izmir after conducting joint training exercises with Turkish assault ships in the Mediterranean.

As part of a US fleet patrolling the eastern Mediterranean, the USS Wasp's presence aims to ease regional tensions.

During the attack, the assailants yelled anti-American slogans, including 'Yankee go home!' and attempted to cover the Marines' heads with sacks.

Fortunately, the Marines managed to escape the crowd with help from fellow service members nearby and were later evaluated at a local hospital, reporting no injuries.

In response to the assault, Turkish authorities detained 15 members of the Turkish Youth Union (TGB), a radical nationalist group linked to the attack.

National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett expressed concern over the incident but praised the swift response of Turkish police.

Disturbing video footage of the incident quickly went viral, showing the altercation between the Turkish group and the Marines.

Local police and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service are conducting an ongoing investigation into the incident.

The attack occurred while the U.S. soldiers were in civilian clothing during a port visit, highlighting the risks faced by American personnel abroad.

This incident underscores the strained relations between the U.S. and Turkey, exacerbated by various geopolitical issues.

Turkish security forces acted promptly to detain the suspected attackers, reflecting the seriousness with which local authorities are treating the incident.