Pentagon 'grateful' for Türkiye’s support on US service members incident in Izmir

​​​​​​​By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The Pentagon thanked Türkiye on Tuesday for its response in detaining a group that assaulted two US service members Monday in western Izmir province.

"So first of all, the two Marines are safe. They were aided by other Marines in the area and subsequently taken to a local hospital for evaluation as a precaution, but were not injured, and they have subsequently returned to the USS Wasp.

"I can tell you that local Izmir police and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service are cooperating in an investigation of the incident," spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters.

His remarks came one day after the Izmir governor's office said 15 members of the Youth Union of Türkiye (TGB) "physically attacked" two US service members dressed in civilian clothes. They were detained in the Konak district.

“Our security forces swiftly intervened in the incident, which was also witnessed by five other US soldiers in civilian attire from a distance. The 15 suspects involved in the incident were apprehended and taken into custody following the orders of the on-duty public prosecutor. An investigation was launched into the matter," the office added.

Ryder said no Marines have been detained, and those involved are cooperating with investigators.

"In terms of the reaction of the Marines, certainly very proud of the professionalism of our service members, and most importantly, that they're safe. This is clearly a troubling incident. We are grateful for the support of the Turkish authorities who are looking into this," he added.

The US Embassy in Türkiye thanked Turkish authorities on Monday for their "rapid response" and ongoing investigation.

It said earlier on X that the USS Wasp, an amphibious assault ship, arrived in Izmir for a "regularly scheduled" port visit this week.