UPDATE - US thanks Ankara for 'rapid response' to assault of 2 service members in western Türkiye

ADDS INFO; CHANGES HEADLINE, DECK, LEDE

By Esra Tekin

ISTANBUL (AA) – The US Embassy in Türkiye thanked Ankara for its prompt response in detaining a group of people who assaulted two US service members in western Izmir province on Monday.

"We can confirm reports that U.S. service members embarked aboard the USS Wasp were the victims of an assault in Izmir today, and are now safe.

"We thank the Turkish authorities for their rapid response and ongoing investigation," the embassy said on X.

The posting came right after the Izmir governor's office announced that 15 members of the Youth Union of Türkiye (TGB), who "physically attacked" two US service members dressed in civilian clothes, were detained in 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.

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

The TGB said on X that the US soldiers "who carry the blood of our soldiers and thousands of Palestinians on their hands, cannot dirty our country.”