In a recent
report by Clint Van Winkle, two US Marines were attacked by members of the Turkish Youth Union (TGB) while on shore leave in Izmir, Turkey. The Marines, dressed in civilian clothing, were ambushed by 15 TGB members, who attempted to place hoods over their heads in a symbolic gesture. This isn’t the first time TGB has targeted US service members, with similar attacks in 2011, 2014, and 2021. TGB is a nationalist organization known for its anti-American and anti-Israeli rhetoric, as well as its support for groups like Hamas. Mario “MAD” Duarte, the CEO of Project DYNAMO, a nonprofit specializing in rescuing people from conflict zones, sees this attack as a warning to Americans abroad, stating that US citizens have become a target for extremist groups worldwide. Duarte emphasized that while these actions have so far remained nonlethal, the symbolism and rhetoric behind them pose significant risks. The Turkish government has launched an investigation into the incident, with local police and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service working together.
Van Winkle’s report shines a light on the growing tensions surrounding American military presence in Turkey.
