A popular Lebanese news source, Almayadeen, has reported that Turkish citizens in Izmir are planning to continue protesting against the presence of the American military until the USS Wasp warship departs from Izmir’s port. The USS Wasp is in the region as part of efforts to deter potential threats to Israel amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict and escalating tensions with Hezbollah and Iran. Protesters have made it clear that they will not leave the port until the ship leaves, condemning the United States for its involvement in causing suffering and violence in Iraq, Syria, and the wider Middle East region.
The strong anti-Israel sentiment in Turkey has been on the rise since the beginning of the Gaza conflict ten months ago, with anger directed towards Washington for its support of Tel Aviv. Even American military personnel have been targeted, despite Turkey being a NATO ally and hosting US bases. Recent events in Izmir saw US Navy and Marine service members being attacked by a Turkish mob from a nationalist political party, leading to a tense standoff that was diffused by local police intervention.
The protesters’ grievances extend back to the US invasion of Iraq, accusing Washington of being an imperial power that frequently harms the people of the Middle East. The US military’s support for the Syrian Kurds, who are opposed by Turkey, has further fueled tensions.
Mass protests have taken place in Izmir, Turkey, demanding the expulsion of an American warship that docked in the city’s port.
“American soldiers, whose hands are stained with the blood of our soldiers and thousands of Palestinians, cannot defile our country. Every time you… pic.twitter.com/M9bWfOZz9K
— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) September 3, 2024
The USS Wasp, carrying an estimated 1,500 soldiers, is facing restrictions on liberty visits as a result of the protests. Following the incident in Izmir, where two US Marines were attacked but not injured, additional security measures have been put in place. Despite the tensions, the US military has affirmed its commitment to its presence in the region.
Turkish activists and political groups have vowed to remain at the Izmir port until the USS Wasp departs, intensifying efforts to hasten its exit…
İzmir Limanı’nda onur nöbetindeyiz. #USSWasp bu limandan gidecek!
📢 Tüm yurtseverlere çağrımızdır. Gelin birlikte ABD’yi ülkemizden kovalım #YankeeGoHome pic.twitter.com/ayW4O8fOWb
— TKP (@tkpninsesi) September 3, 2024
The incident in Izmir has sparked a debate on the presence of US military personnel in Turkey, with political groups like the Turkiye Youth Union (TGB) denouncing the soldiers for their alleged role in violence in the region. TGB has stated that US soldiers with blood on their hands will not be tolerated in Turkey, emphasizing the need to hold them accountable for their actions.
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