US hails Türkiye’s response to attack on Marines in Izmir province

By Esra Tekin

ISTANBUL (AA) – The US Embassy in Türkiye hailed Ankara's prompt response to an attack Monday on two US Marines from the USS Wasp during a port visit to Izmir province.

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

The embassy also confirmed that the attacked crew members are safe.

The Izmir governor's office said that around 4 p.m. local time (1300GMT), a group of 15 people, including two women and 13 men, physically attacked the two service members.

“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,” said the statement.