A major Lebanese news outlet, Almayadeen, reports that people in Izmir, Turkey are planning to keep protesting against the American warship USS Wasp until it leaves the port.
The USS Wasp arrived in Izmir to help “deter potential threats to Israel” during the ongoing Gaza conflict and growing tensions with Hezbollah and Iran. Protesters have made it clear they will not move until the ship leaves, criticizing the U.S. for its role in conflicts in Iraq, Syria, and the broader Middle East.
Since the Gaza war started ten months ago, anti-Israel feelings have surged in Turkey, with anger directed at the U.S. for supporting Israel. Even though Turkey and the U.S. are NATO allies, some American military personnel have faced hostility. Recently in Izmir, U.S. Navy and Marine members were attacked by a Turkish mob, but managed to escape with police help.
The incident happened when American troops were off-duty, and a group of Turkish nationalists, upset by the USS Wasp’s presence, assaulted them. Protesters chanted slogans like “Yankee go home!” and criticized the U.S. for its past actions in the Middle East and its support for Syrian Kurds, who are disliked by Turkey.
On Monday night, Turkish groups gathered at Izmir Port to protest the USS Wasp’s arrival. They waved Palestinian flags and held signs with messages like “Our country’s ports cannot be supply points for murderers” and “We don’t want the US ship that brings war and death to Palestine in Izmir.” They chanted slogans like “Down with Israel,” “Down with NATO,” and “Down with the USA,” and called for the ship’s immediate departure while honoring Palestinians who have died in the Gaza conflict.
The USS Wasp, which carries about 1,500 soldiers, is now facing heightened security. The U.S. Sixth Fleet confirmed that two Marines were attacked but were not seriously injured. Five other U.S. soldiers rushed to help but were also unharmed.
Turkish activists, including the nationalist youth group Turkiye Youth Union (TGB), are camped at the port, demanding the USS Wasp leave immediately. TGB accused the soldiers of having “blood” on their hands and vowed to continue their protests against any American presence in Turkey.
