Turkish authorities have apprehended 115 suspected members of the Islamic State group in nationwide raids, thwarting alleged plans for attacks during the Christmas and New Year holidays, according to official statements released on Thursday.
The coordinated operations, ordered by Istanbul’s prosecutor general, targeted 137 individuals with arrest warrants, resulting in the detention of 115 suspects so far. Police carried out simultaneous searches at 124 addresses across Turkey, seizing firearms, ammunition, and organizational documents. The remaining 22 suspects are still being pursued as operations continue.
In a statement, the Istanbul Prosecutor’s Office revealed that intelligence indicated ISIS operatives were planning “actions targeting our country, especially non-Muslim individuals” in connection with the upcoming holiday events. This prompted the preemptive raids to disrupt potential terrorist activities and ensure public safety during the festive period.
The detained suspects are alleged to have been in contact with conflict zones, including Syria, where ISIS maintains a presence. Turkey shares a long border with Syria, making it a strategic location for counterterrorism efforts. Authorities emphasized that the group was actively organizing attacks, leveraging the holiday season to maximize impact.
This security crackdown is part of Turkey’s routine heightened measures around year-end holidays, particularly since the deadly 2017 ISIS attack on the Reina nightclub in Istanbul, which killed 39 people during New Year celebrations. The incident underscored the persistent threat from militant groups and has led to annual preventive operations.
Beyond the domestic raids, Turkey’s intelligence agency recently conducted an operation on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, capturing a Turkish national accused of holding a senior role in ISIS and organizing suicide attacks in multiple countries. This highlights the global reach of the group and Turkey’s efforts to combat cross-border terrorism.
The current operations have involved extensive coordination among law enforcement agencies, with prosecutors stating that further information will be released as the investigation progresses. Security has been bolstered in major cities, and authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant while assuring that measures are in place to prevent any incidents.
The detentions come amid ongoing international concerns about ISIS resurgence, with recent attacks attributed to the group in regions like Syria. The U.S. recently blamed an ISIS gunman for a December attack in Palmyra that killed American personnel, illustrating the continued threat posed by the organization.
Looking ahead, Turkish officials are focused on apprehending the remaining suspects and deepening the investigation to uncover any wider networks. The successful raids demonstrate Turkey’s proactive stance against terrorism, but experts warn that sustained efforts are necessary to counter evolving threats during high-risk periods like holidays.
