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Two American soldiers ambushed and attacked by a mob of Turkish nationalists: “Yankees, go home!”

Two American soldiers ambushed and attacked by a mob of Turkish nationalists: “Yankees, go home!”

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A mob of Turkish nationalists attacked U.S. troops in western Turkey on Monday, resulting in the arrest of 15 people.

The incident occurred in Izmir, which is located on Turkey’s Aegean coast. In a statement, the Izmir governor’s office said the attackers were members of the Youth Union of Turkey, which is affiliated with the nationalist Vatan Party.

The governor said the victims, who were assigned to the USS Wasp, were “physically attacked.” Video footage posted on social media shows soldiers in civilian clothes screaming for help as they were overpowered by a group of anti-American men.

The footage also shows the attacker throwing a plastic bag over the soldier’s head while the crowd chants “Yankee Go Home!”

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Split image of ship, Turkish flag

According to officials, soldiers assigned to the USS Wasp were attacked by Turkish nationalists. (Getty Images/iStock)

Five U.S. soldiers intervened during the incident, and authorities eventually arrested all 15 men who attacked the soldiers.

The U.S. Embassy in Turkey confirmed the incident in a statement posted on social media Monday and said the soldiers were safe.

“We can confirm reports that the American servicemen who boarded the USS Wasp were attacked in Izmir today and are now safe,” the embassy said.

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USS Wasp

Crew members stand on the deck of the landing ship USS Wasp (LHD-1) docked at Limassol Port amid rising tensions in the Middle East, in Limassol, Cyprus, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (Danil Shamkin/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

“We thank the Turkish authorities for their quick response and ongoing investigation.”

In a statement obtained by Reuters, the Youth Union of Turkey said the attack was “deserved” and criticized U.S. support for Israel.

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Turkish protesters

Members of the Youth Union of Turkey (TGB) gather in front of the U.S. Embassy to protest against statements made by envoys from 10 countries regarding the case of Osman Kavala, in Ankara, Turkey, October 25, 2021. (Evrim Aydin/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

“US soldiers, who carry the blood of our soldiers and thousands of Palestinians on their hands, cannot dirty our country,” the nationalists said. “Every time you set foot on these lands, we will meet you as you deserve.”

Reuters contributed to this report.