Istanbul, Turkey – Two United States Marines were reportedly assaulted by a nationalist youth group during a port visit in Istanbul, Turkey. The incident, which occurred on Monday, has sparked concerns about the safety of American military personnel in the country.

According to reports, the Marines were attacked by a small crowd of individuals while on shore leave. Authorities have labeled the group responsible for the assault as a nationalist youth organization. The motive behind the attack remains unclear.

The U.S. Navy has confirmed that the Marines sustained injuries during the altercation but did not provide details on the extent of their injuries. The incident is currently under investigation by both Turkish and American authorities.

This attack comes amidst heightened tensions between the United States and Turkey over various political and military issues. The U.S. has maintained a military presence in Turkey for strategic purposes, but incidents like this raise concerns about the safety of American personnel deployed in the region.

The identity of the attackers and their affiliations are still being determined by investigators. The American Embassy in Turkey has been in contact with Turkish authorities to address the situation and ensure the safety of U.S. military personnel in the country.

The safety and security of U.S. military personnel deployed overseas are of utmost importance, and incidents like this highlight the risks that service members face while serving in foreign countries. The investigation into the assault on the U.S. Marines is ongoing, with both Turkish and American authorities working together to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.