Turkish security forces have detained 115 suspected members of the ISIS militant group in coordinated nationwide operations amid allegations that the outfit was planning attacks linked to Christmas and New Year celebrations, authorities said on Thursday.
Nationwide raids after intelligence inputs
The Istanbul Prosecutor’s Office stated that arrest warrants had been issued for 137 suspects following intelligence findings that operatives of ISIS, also known as Islamic State, were plotting attacks during the holiday period.
Investigators reportedly uncovered information suggesting that the group intended to target Turkey, with a particular focus on non-Muslim individuals amid upcoming Christmas and New Year events.
Links to conflict zones revealed
According to prosecutors, the suspects were found to be in contact with conflict zones as part of their alleged terrorist activities. Acting on this intelligence, Turkish police carried out simultaneous arrest, search and seizure operations at 124 addresses across multiple provinces.
During the raids, authorities seized pistols, ammunition and what officials described as organisational documents belonging to the terror group. Efforts to apprehend the remaining 22 suspects named in the warrants are ongoing, prosecutors added.
Heightened security during festive season
Turkey routinely intensifies counterterrorism operations during the year-end holiday season, a practice shaped by past attacks. Security agencies remain particularly vigilant following the 2017 ISIS attack on Istanbul’s Reina nightclub during New Year celebrations, in which dozens of people were killed.
Since then, Turkish authorities have maintained a strong security posture around public gatherings, religious celebrations and tourist hubs, especially in major cities such as Istanbul and Ankara.
Erdogan government’s anti-terror stance
Under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey has pursued aggressive counterterrorism policies both domestically and across its borders. In recent years, Ankara has announced several operations against ISIS leadership and cells, including cross-border actions in Syria.
Officials said more details would be shared as the investigation progresses, signalling that the case remains active and could expand further based on new intelligence.
The latest detentions underline ongoing concerns in Europe and West Asia over dormant extremist cells attempting to exploit major public events and religious holidays to carry out attacks.