More than a dozen members of a Turkish nationalist youth organization have been detained following an attack on two U.S. Marines in Izmir on Monday. The Marines, part of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, were on shore leave when they were assaulted by members of the Turkish Youth Union, a group known for its anti-American sentiments.

The incident occurred in broad daylight, with video footage showing the attackers forcefully holding the Marines while a speaker yelled on the street. One Marine was seen shouting for help, while the group placed a bag over the head of another Marine, all while chanting “Yankee, go home!” The situation escalated rapidly but was brought under control when other nearby Marines intervened, allowing the victims to escape. The Marines were later examined at a local hospital and returned safely to their ship, the USS Wasp.

The U.S. Sixth Fleet and local Izmir authorities have launched an investigation into the assault. The Turkish Youth Union has a history of such actions, previously attacking U.S. service members in protest of American policies in the Middle East. In a similar 2014 incident in Istanbul, members of the same group placed bags over the heads of three U.S. sailors, invoking the memory of a 2003 event where U.S. troops detained Turkish soldiers under similar circumstances.

Despite the historical and ongoing tensions between Turkey and the U.S., both countries remain NATO allies. The U.S. Embassy in Turkey expressed gratitude for the swift response of Turkish authorities, who apprehended 15 suspects involved in the assault.

This latest incident underscores the delicate nature of U.S.-Turkey relations, particularly against the backdrop of broader regional conflicts. The USS Wasp, part of the Amphibious Ready Group operating in the eastern Mediterranean, had only recently docked in Izmir, with the Marines granted shore leave before the attack occurred. As investigations continue, both nations are working to address the diplomatic implications of this incident.