Major Crackdown: Turkey Detains 357 Suspected IS Members Amid Rising Tensions

Tue Dec 30 2025 21:58:29 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a sweeping operation across 21 provinces, Turkish authorities have detained 357 individuals believed to have ties to the Islamic State group, following a violent siege that claimed the lives of police officers.

Turkey's Interior Minister reported the successful detainment of 357 suspected members of the Islamic State group during coordinated police raids across the nation. The operations were intensified following an incident in Yalova where three police officers lost their lives. Concerns about potential attacks during the holiday season have prompted the crackdown, with authorities keen to prevent any threats to non-Muslim communities.

In a significant move against terrorism, Turkey has detained over 350 individuals suspected of links to the Islamic State (IS) group as part of nationwide police operations. The Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya, announced that 357 suspects were apprehended across 21 provinces during coordinated raids on Tuesday morning.

This crackdown follows a tragic incident in the northwestern town of Yalova, where a siege lasting eight hours led to the deaths of three police officers and the killing of six alleged militants. Another eight officers and a member of the security forces sustained injuries during the violent confrontation.

Just days prior, authorities arrested 115 suspects believed to have been planning attacks targeting non-Muslims in Turkey during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Minister Yerlikaya reiterated the government's resolve to counter terrorism, emphasizing that they will not give opportunities to those attempting to destabilize the country. In a post on social media platform X, he stressed that operations took place in Ankara, Istanbul, and Yalova, showcasing the extensive measures being implemented.

Earlier raids saw law enforcement seizing documents and digital materials at various locations, and local media reported that weapons, including knives and ammunition, were also collected as evidence. The Istanbul chief prosecutor indicated that intelligence had pointed to a potential attack on New Year's Day by some of those detained.

Following the recent violence in Yalova, where police commemorated their fallen colleagues, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan extended his condolences, vowing to continue the fight against those threatening national security. Authorities have regularly targeted suspected IS individuals as the country borders Syria, a region where the group remains active.

As Turkey gears up for further security operations, the focus remains on safeguarding its citizens and preventing extremist activities during this sensitive time of year.