Turkey's Nationwide Crackdown on Islamic State Suspects Intensifies

Tue Dec 30 2025 15:27:58 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant operation, Turkey's authorities have detained 357 suspected members of the Islamic State across 21 provinces amidst escalating security concerns following a siege that left several police officers dead.

Turkey has conducted a nationwide operation leading to the arrest of 357 individuals suspected of links to the Islamic State. This move follows a violent incident in Yalova, where several police officers were killed. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya pledged to continue the fight against terrorism and highlighted the proactive steps taken by security forces in response to threats, particularly ahead of the holiday season.

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, which also left another eight police officers 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 stated that Tuesday's operations took place nationwide, 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 individuals.

Raids in Istanbul and two nearby provinces netted 110 arrests, seizing documents, digital materials, and weapons, including knives and bullets. Intelligence indicated that the suspects might attempt an attack on New Year's Day.

An additional 16 individuals were detained in Yalova for making provocative posts on social media related to the events.

The funerals of the three officers killed in Yalova, İlker Pehlivan, Turgut Külünk, and Yasin Koçyiğit, were held on Tuesday. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed condolences to their families, emphasizing Turkey's determination to combat those threatening national peace and security.

Earlier this month, mass raids resulted in the arrest of 115 people, with officials noting IS supporters were actively planning attacks against non-Muslims during the holiday season.

Turkey regularly targets individuals suspected of having links to IS, which remains operational across the border in Syria, a detail that complicates security measures in Turkey.

With the recent uptick in violence, including the killings of two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter by IS gunmen in an ambush, the international community is watching closely as Turkey aims to fortify its defenses against terrorism.