Turkey has detained at least 115 people suspected of links to the Islamic State (IS) in a major counterterrorism operation aimed at preventing attacks planned around Christmas and the New Year, authorities said.
Istanbul’s chief prosecutor stated that simultaneous raids were carried out at 124 locations across the city. During the operations, security forces recovered firearms, ammunition, and various organizational documents allegedly connected to IS activities.
In an official statement, police confirmed the detention of 115 suspects, while efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest an additional 22 individuals who have been identified. Investigators believe the suspects were coordinating with IS operatives based outside Turkey.
According to officials, IS-linked networks had been plotting attacks across the country this week, with non-Muslims among their intended targets. The prosecutor’s office said those arrested were in contact with senior IS figures operating abroad.
The arrests followed a separate intelligence operation conducted two days earlier by Turkish agencies near the Afghanistan–Pakistan border, where a Turkish national was detained.
Authorities allege he was a senior leader of an IS affiliate active in the region and had been involved in planning attacks against civilians.
Turkey’s security forces regularly carry out operations against suspected IS members, particularly due to the country’s proximity to conflict zones. Turkey shares an approximately 900-kilometre border with Syria, where IS cells remain active in certain areas.
Earlier, the United States launched multiple airstrikes targeting IS positions in Syria, following the killing of three U.S. citizens. Earlier this month, two U.S. soldiers and a civilian interpreter were also killed in a surprise attack attributed to IS gunmen.
Meanwhile, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has pledged to work with the United States and European partners to eradicate IS remnants from the region.
