Turkey Uncovers Major Islamic State Operation: 357 Suspects Detained Nationwide

Tue Dec 30 2025 15:23:00 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a sweeping response to escalating terrorist threats, Turkey has detained 357 suspected members of the Islamic State group across 21 provinces. This comes shortly after a deadly siege in Yalova that left several dead and injured.

Following the recent violent siege involving police and alleged militants, Turkey's interior minister announced the detention of 357 suspects linked to the Islamic State group. The nationwide raids targeted various provinces, aiming to prevent potential attacks during the holiday season. Security operations continue as part of Turkey's efforts to combat terrorism.

More than 350 suspected Islamic State group (IS) members have been detained as part of nationwide police operations in Turkey.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said 357 suspects were apprehended across 21 provinces in coordinated raids on Tuesday morning.

This comes just a day after three police officers and six alleged militants were killed during an eight-hour siege in the northwestern town of Yalova. Another eight police officers and a security force member were injured.

Less than a week ago, authorities arrested another 115 suspects who prosecutors said had been planning attacks targeting non-Muslims during Christmas and New Year's.

In a post on X, Yerlikaya said Tuesday's operations took place across the country, including in Ankara, Istanbul, and Yalova.

Just as we have never given an opportunity to those who try to bring this country to its knees with terrorism, we will never give them an opportunity in the future either, he added.

The interior minister also shared a video appearing to show dozens of counter-terrorism officers taking part in the operations and detaining several people.

Raids on addresses in Istanbul and two other provinces - where 110 people were detained, according to the prosecutor's office - saw officers seize documents and digital materials, while pictures on local media also showed a number of weapons, including knives and bullets.

A statement from the Istanbul chief prosecutor's office noted that intelligence had suggested the suspects might attempt an attack on New Year's Day.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan offered his condolences to the families of the slain officers and affirmed Turkey's commitment to combatting terrorism.

With a 900km border with Syria, where IS still operates, Turkey continues to face threats from this group.

Syria's president has expressed his willingness to collaborate with international forces, including the US, to eliminate the remaining elements of IS.