Türkiye arrests 127 ISIS members in major counterterror operation

Turkish authorities launched a large-scale counterterror operation, arresting 127 members of the Islamic State (ISIS).

According to the law enforcement, arrests took place in Istanbul and Ankara after suspects were found to have planned attacks during the New Year period, Caliber.Az reports via TRT Haber.

“They intended to turn New Year's into a bloody massacre,” the channel revealed. In Istanbul, 110 suspects were detained, and 17 in Ankara.

Istanbul prosecutors stated that at least 40 of those arrested were linked to a cell whose members had attacked police in Yalova the day before. 

Local media reported that during the Yalova arrest operation, suspects opened fire on police officers, killing three. The raids in Istanbul and the capital followed this incident.

The Islamic State (ISIS), also known as ISIL or Daesh, rose to prominence in 2013-2014, seizing large areas in Iraq and Syria and orchestrating attacks across the globe.

Türkiye recognised ISIS as a terrorist organisation early and endured major attacks between 2015 and 2017, including bombings in Ankara, Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport, and a nightclub, which claimed hundreds of lives.

After initial criticism for allegedly allowing ISIS movements across its borders, Türkiye joined the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS in 2014 and later escalated efforts through airstrikes, strengthened border controls, and domestic raids.

Since 2015, Turkish authorities have carried out frequent nationwide operations, detaining thousands on charges related to ISIS membership, financing, or past involvement in the group’s activities.

By Jeyhun Aghazada