Ankara police detain over 4,000 in pre-NATO summit security sweep PHOTO / VIDEO

Police in Türkiye’s capital have intensified security measures ahead of the NATO summit, carrying out large-scale checks and detaining thousands of individuals, state broadcaster TRT Haber reported.

According to the Ankara Security Directorate, law enforcement officers conducted operations between April 4 and July 1, during which they checked more than 1.5 million people and approximately 930,000 vehicles.

The measures included inspections at public locations, hotels, cafés and restaurants, entertainment venues, car rental companies, car parks and short-term accommodation facilities.

As a result of the operations, more than 4,000 individuals wanted by police were detained.

The head of the Ankara Security Directorate, Maksut Yüksel, personally reviewed the progress of the operations, met with officers and thanked residents for their support of the heightened security measures and their cooperation.

Police said the enhanced checks and security measures would remain in place to ensure public safety and order during the summit.

The NATO summit is scheduled to take place on July 7–8, when alliance leaders are expected to discuss continued military assistance for Ukraine and other key security priorities.

By Tamilla Hasanova