Turkish authorities said Wednesday they had foiled planned attacks during Christmas and New Year events after arresting more than 100 suspected members of the so-called Islamic State.
According to the Istanbul General Prosecutor’s Office, simultaneous operations were carried out at 124 addresses in the city. During the actions, the police seized firearms, ammunition and documents classified as “organizational”. A total of 115 people were arrested, while 22 others are still wanted.
Authorities said supporters of the extremist group were planning attacks in different parts of the country throughout this week, with a particular focus on targets related to non-Muslims and year-end celebrations. The prosecutor’s office also said the suspects had contacts with Islamic State members outside Turkish territory.
The announcement comes two days after Turkish intelligence agents carried out an operation against the group in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region. As part of the action, a Turkish citizen accused of holding a leadership position in the regional branch of the Islamic State was arrested on suspicion of planning attacks against civilians.
Turkish security services frequently carry out operations against people suspected of having links to the extremist group. The country borders Syria, where the Islamic State is still present in certain regions.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, an ally of the Turkish government, recently said he intended to work with the United States and European countries to eliminate the group’s remnants.
About The Author
