Turkey Detains 115 IS Suspects Planning New Year’s Attacks
Prosecutors in Istanbul have announced that they successfully thwarted potential attacks targeting non-Muslims planned by the Islamic State (IS) group this week. In an extensive operation, Turkish authorities detained over 100 suspected IS members.
Key Details of the Operation
– Mass Raids: Turkish police conducted raids at 124 locations across Istanbul.
– Seized Items: Authorities confiscated firearms, ammunition, and organizational documents related to the group’s operations.
– Number of Detained: A total of 115 suspects were arrested, with efforts ongoing to track an additional 22 individuals believed to be involved.
– Connections to IS Operatives: The prosecutor’s office revealed that the suspects had been communicating with IS operatives located outside Turkey.
Background on Recent Activities
This announcement follows a significant raid executed by Turkish intelligence agents targeting IS on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, resulting in the arrest of a Turkish national suspected of holding a senior position within the group’s regional operations. This individual is accused of orchestrating civilian-targeted attacks.
Turkey’s Ongoing Efforts Against IS
Turkey’s security services are actively engaged in operations against individuals with suspected ties to IS. The country’s strategic location, sharing a 900km (560-mile) border with Syria—where IS continues to maintain a presence—has made these efforts particularly crucial.
In recent developments, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, aligned closely with the Turkish government, has pledged to collaborate with the U.S. and European nations to eliminate the remaining elements of IS. This comes after the U.S. launch of air strikes targeting IS positions in Syria, prompted by a tragic ambush that claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter.
In conclusion, Turkey’s proactive measures in detaining 115 IS suspects signify a determined effort to prevent planned attacks and ensure the safety of its citizens during the New Year celebrations. These actions underscore the ongoing threat posed by IS and the necessity for continued vigilance and cooperation among nations in combating terrorism.