Turkey has detained 357 suspected Islamic State (IS) members in a nationwide operation, following a deadly gunfight near Istanbul. The arrests highlight the country’s intensified efforts against terrorism.
Nationwide Security Sweep
According to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, Turkish police carried out coordinated raids across 21 provinces. Authorities targeted individuals linked to IS, stressing that terrorism will not be allowed to destabilize Turkey.
In Istanbul, police searched 114 addresses, along with additional locations in two other provinces. During the raids, officials seized digital materials and documents that may help identify broader IS networks operating within Turkey.
Deadly Yalova Gunfight
The operation came after an eight-hour siege on Monday at a house in Yalova, a town on the Sea of Marmara coast south of Istanbul. During the gunfight, three police officers and six militants were killed, while eight police officers and one other security personnel were injured.
The Yalova raid was part of a wider security sweep that began last week, when authorities detained more than 100 suspected IS members over alleged plans for attacks during Christmas and New Year. The house in Yalova was one of over 100 locations searched on Monday.
Ongoing IS Threat
Turkey has stepped up operations against IS this year amid global concerns over the group’s resurgence. Recent international incidents, including US strikes on IS targets in Nigeria and Syria, as well as attacks abroad inspired by the militant group, have raised alarm.
Nearly a decade ago, IS carried out high-profile attacks in Turkey, including assaults on an Istanbul nightclub and the city’s main airport, resulting in dozens of deaths. At that time, Turkey served as a major transit route for foreign fighters traveling to and from Syria.
Since the peak of violence between 2015 and 2017, regular police operations have sharply reduced attacks inside Turkey. Authorities continue to monitor IS networks closely to prevent future incidents.
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Turkey’s recent actions underscore its commitment to security and the ongoing fight against terrorism within its borders.
