Turkish police conducted extensive operations against the Islamic State (IS) group on December 26, 2023, detaining a total of 357 suspects across the country. These raids were initiated following a deadly confrontation in the northwestern province of Yalova, where three police officers and six IS militants lost their lives. The violent clash underscored the ongoing threat posed by IS operatives in Turkey, prompting authorities to ramp up their efforts.
The operations spanned 21 provinces, including major cities such as Istanbul and Ankara. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced the detentions in a statement shared on social media platform X. While he provided limited details on the operations, the scale of the raids indicates a significant push against suspected IS networks.
In Yalova, the police raid on a hideout resulted in multiple casualties among law enforcement, further highlighting the risks involved in confronting IS militants. Eight additional officers and a night guard were injured during the operation. Earlier, the Istanbul Chief Prosecutor’s Office reported that 110 suspects were detained during raids at 114 addresses in the city alone.
Authorities have indicated that some of the detainees are believed to have connections to the militants involved in the Yalova clash. Others are suspected of plotting potential attacks targeting celebrations around the upcoming New Year. The prosecutor’s office also noted that several of those detained were involved in fundraising efforts disguised as charitable activities, allegedly funneling money to IS-linked networks operating in Syria.
In Ankara, police arrested 17 suspects, including 11 foreign nationals. Authorities stated that digital evidence linking these individuals to IS fighters in conflict zones was recovered during the raids.
The Islamic State has a history of conducting deadly attacks in Turkey, with one of the most notorious incidents occurring on January 1, 2017, when a gunman opened fire at an Istanbul nightclub, killing 39 people during New Year celebrations. The recent operations reflect Turkey’s ongoing commitment to combating terrorism and enhancing national security in the face of such threats.
