Türkiye detains 96 with suspected ties to Marxist-Leninist Communist Party

In large-scale operations conducted across 22 provinces of Türkiye with a focus on Istanbul, 96 individuals suspected of ties to the Marxist-Leninist Communist Party (MLCP), a designated terrorist organisation, were detained.

Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced the arrests on his X account, per Caliber.Az.

The operations were organised by the Istanbul Prosecutor’s Office and coordinated by the Istanbul Security Department, involving counter-terrorism and intelligence units. Investigations revealed that the detainees had connections with MLCP’s “youth structures” and “propaganda organisations,” and had participated in online meetings with senior group leaders where instructions were issued.

The suspects were also involved in commemorative events marking the 30th anniversary of the organisation’s founding, as well as other actions directed by the terrorist group. Additionally, they disseminated MLCP propaganda online.

Minister Yerlikaya emphasised that Türkiye’s fight against terrorism is multifaceted, combining on-the-ground security operations with intelligence, communication, and international cooperation. He noted that Türkiye continues to work to ensure stability and security across all regions of the country.

İstanbul merkezli 22 ilde MLKP Silahlı Terör Örgütüne yönelik Polisimiz tarafından düzenlenen operasyonlarımızda; 96 şüpheliyi yakaladık ❗️

İstanbul Cumhuriyet Başsavcılığı, İstanbul Emniyet Müdürlüğü koordinesinde, İEM TEM ve İstihbarat Şube Müdürlüklerimizin; Silahlı Terör… pic.twitter.com/GKgQXkqqO2

— Ali Yerlikaya (@AliYerlikaya) February 3, 2026

The Marxist-Leninist Communist Party (MLCP) is an illegal communist party in Türkiye, founded in 1994. The party adheres to Marxist-Leninist ideology and advocates armed struggle. Since 2012, its members and supporters have actively participated in combat operations in Kurdish regions of Syria, mainly in the north and northeast. The MLKP has been officially designated a terrorist organisation in Türkiye since 2007.

By Khagan Isayev