Members of the Turkish Youth Union, a nationalist and socialist youth movement, placed a sack over the head of an American soldier in Izmir on Monday as part of a protest against Israeli actions in Gaza and decades-long “U.S. imperialism.”
The American soldier was reportedly serving on the USS Wrap warship – deployed to the Mediterranean in support of U.S. operations in Gaza.
According to reports from Turkish Youth Union-affiliated media outlets – the protest was intended to express solidarity with the Palestinians.
“U.S. soldiers who have the blood of our soldiers and thousands of Palestinians on their hands cannot tarnish our country. Every step you take on these lands will be met with the response you deserve,” declared the Turkish Youth Union in a released statement.
Following the incident, police intervened and detained 15 people, including Turkish Youth Union President Kayahan Cetin.
The detainees were taken to Alsancak Police Station after a medical examination.
The lawyers of those detained have also arrived at the police station to monitor the proceedings.
Symbolizing anti-American sentiment
The act of placing sacks on the heads of American soldiers has been a recurring form of protest in Türkiye since 2004, symbolizing anti-American sentiment.
This tradition traces back to the incident on July 4, 2003, when American soldiers placed sacks on the heads of Turkish soldiers in the Iraqi city of Sulaymaniyah.
The Turkish Youth Union has carried out similar protests on several occasions, targeting American soldiers.
Izmir Municipality condemns the incident
Izmir Municipality issued a press release regarding the incident. According to the statement, a group of 15 individuals, including 2 women and 13 men, who were members of the Turkish Youth Union (TGB), physically assaulted two American soldiers and a civilian U.S. national.
The press release further states that five plainclothes American soldiers were involved in the incident from a distance, prompting a swift response from law enforcement. Fifteen suspects were detained, and an investigation has been launched under the direction of the on-duty public prosecutor.
The statement concludes by noting that the investigation is ongoing and the public will be informed of further developments.
U.S. Embassy thanks Turkish authorities
In response to the incident, the U.S. Embassy in Türkiye released a statement confirming the attack: “We can confirm reports that U.S. service members embarked aboard the USS Wasp were the victims of an assault in İzmir today, and are now safe. We thank Turkish authorities for their rapid response and ongoing investigation.”
