Pro-Palestinian Protesters Clash with Police Outside US Military Base in Turkey
On Nov. 5, 2023, thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the Incirlik Air Base in the Adana province of southern Turkey to express disapproval of Israeli attacks harming Gazan civilians and US support for Israel. Incirlik is a crucial military facility in Turkey that houses US troops and is used to provide cargo to military missions throughout the Middle East. Turkey owns the Mediterranean coastal base, but the US Air Force and occasionally Britain's Royal Air Force use it, providing strategic access to large parts of the Middle East.
The IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation, an Islamist Turkish aid agency, organized the protest as a peaceful demonstration to convey their frustration with US military presence and policies in the region. Demonstrators waved Turkish and Palestinian flags and chanted slogans such as "Close Incirlik" and "Down with the US."
People gather during a protest to show their solidarity with the Palestinians outside U.S. - Turkish Incirlik military air base in Adana, southern Türkiye, Nov. 5, 2023. Photo: AP/Mehmet Sancakzade
However, as protesters advanced towards the base, the situation grew increasingly tense and altercations ensued between the demonstrators and the security forces. Protesters toppled barricades and were observed throwing plastic chairs, rocks, and other objects at the police. Tear gas and water cannons were used to disperse the crowd, though no reports of injuries or arrests were made. Video footage of the clash can be viewed on Reuters.
Turkish police use a water cannon to disperse Pro-Palestinian demonstrators during a protest against the U.S. and Israel near the Incirlik Air Base, which is housing U.S. troops, in Adana, southern Turkey, Nov. 5, 2023. Photo: REUTERS/Dilara Senkaya
The IHH condemned the displays of violence and concluded its rally earlier than planned due to the clashes with the police. Bulent Yildirim, the President of the IHH, addressed the crowds and encouraged them not to attack the police. He stated, “Friends, it is wrong to throw rocks or engage in similar actions because both the police and soldiers would want to go to Gaza and fight, and they will go when the time comes. Our anger is immense. We cannot contain it, but Turkey is doing what it can.”
The timing of the Incirlik Air Base protest was notable, as it coincided with a visit to Ankara by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken—the protest took place just hours prior. During Blinken’s visit, he discussed various issues with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, including the ongoing situation in Gaza and negotiations for a ceasefire. The protest was a way for the Turkish public to send a message to Blinken that they expect the US to do more to pressure Israel to end its attacks on Gaza. As reflected by the surge of protests in Turkey against Israeli actions over the past few weeks, the Turkish public strongly supports the Palestinian people.