Turkey's Major Counter-Terrorism Operation: 357 Suspected IS Members Detained

Tue Dec 30 2025 21:03:29 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a sweeping operation across 21 provinces, Turkish authorities apprehended 357 suspected members of the Islamic State group, highlighting ongoing security concerns amid recent violent incidents.

Turkey's Interior Minister announced the detention of 357 suspected members of the Islamic State group during nationwide raids on Tuesday. This substantial crackdown follows a violent siege in Yalova that resulted in fatalities and highlights growing concerns of planned attacks targeting non-Muslims. Minister Ali Yerlikaya reaffirmed the government's commitment to combatting terrorism as part of ongoing security operations in the region.

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 crackdown follows an eight-hour siege in Yalova, where three police officers and six alleged militants were killed, resulting in injuries for eight police officers and a security force member.

Just days prior, authorities arrested 115 individuals who were suspected of planning attacks targeting non-Muslims during the Christmas and New Year’s festivities.

Yerlikaya remarked that operations were conducted in major cities, including Ankara, Istanbul, and Yalova, underscoring the government's resolve against terrorism.

In his post on X, he stated, 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 also shared a video showing counter-terrorism officers actively participating in the detentions.

The coordinated raids have raised alarms about a potential surge in IS-related threats, especially given recent violent confrontations and the group's continued operations in neighboring Syria.

These operations are part of Turkey's broader efforts to combat extremist elements that pose a risk to national security and public safety. Authorities have emphasized their vigilance in thwarting threats as they continue to monitor developments related to extremist activities in the region.

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