There have been attacks against IS members in Türkiye. Authorities say they foiled the attack plans.
Istanbul (APA/Portal) – Turkish authorities arrested almost 200 people on suspicion of links to the Islamic State (IS) Islamic militia in nationwide operations this Saturday. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced on online platform X that 189 suspects had been detained in 37 provinces. 32 suspected IS members who allegedly planned attacks on synagogues, churches and the Iraqi embassy in Ankara were arrested on Friday.
Turkish authorities said they had thwarted the attack plans. ISIS claimed responsibility for the 2017 Istanbul nightclub attack in which 39 New Year's Eve guests were killed. Since then, Ankara has regularly targeted suspects of the terrorist organization. Just a week ago, there were more than 300 arrests in such operations.
Used in 37 cities in Türkiye
Intelligence and police units reportedly searched additional addresses in 37 cities, including Istanbul and Ankara, on Saturday night. Yerlikaya shared photos on X of handcuffed suspects who were arrested in their homes. The nationality of the suspects and details of any possible attack plans were initially unknown.
In the past, Turkey was of great importance to the logistics of the terrorist organization IS. According to the think tank International Crisis Group, there are still numerous IS supporters in Turkey who have joined the militia in neighboring Syria or Iraq. Their presence continues to pose a humanitarian and security challenge for Turkey, the think tank wrote.
Turkish security authorities have intensified their actions against the IS militia in recent weeks. Since the October 1 bomb attack in front of the Interior Ministry in Ankara, they have also taken increasing measures against the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and the Kurdish YPG militia. The PKK claimed responsibility for the attack, in which two police officers were injured and two attackers were killed. (APA)