Istanbul police detain 115 in ISIS-linked raids ahead of Christmas and New Year
Istanbul police detained 115 of 137 suspects in counterterrorism raids, seizing firearms, ammunition, and documents after ISIS-linked group's call to target non-Muslims during Christmas and New Year.
Overview
Istanbul police in coordinated raids detained 115 of 137 suspects as part of a counterterrorism operation, authorities said, targeting members of an ISIS-linked extremist network.
The operation involved seizing firearms, ammunition, and organizational documents to disrupt the group's planning and communication channels ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Prosecutors issued warrants for 137 suspects; 115 were detained, with the remainder subject to ongoing investigations and possible further charges.
The prosecutor's office noted the extremist group's call for action against non-Muslims during Christmas and New Year celebrations, adding the remarks were part of the intent behind the operations.
Authorities said the counterterrorism operation remains ongoing as investigations continue, with continued monitoring and potential additional detentions or arrests at various locations.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by emphasizing the proactive measures taken by Turkish authorities to prevent potential attacks, highlighting the scale and coordination of the raids. Language choices like "simultaneous raids" and "seized many firearms" underscore the seriousness of the threat. The focus on the number of suspects detained and the ongoing nature of the operation suggests a narrative of vigilance and security.
Sources (3)
FAQ
Authorities seized firearms, ammunition, and organizational documents during the raids on 124 locations.
The raids were prompted by intelligence that an ISIS-linked group had issued a call to target non-Muslims during Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Prosecutors issued warrants for 137 suspects, of whom 115 were detained, with efforts ongoing for the rest.
Two days prior, Turkish intelligence captured senior ISIS leader Mehmet Goren on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, accused of planning attacks; earlier in December, 233 ISIS suspects were arrested across provinces.
Yes, ISIS claimed a January 2024 attack on a Catholic church in Istanbul during Mass and a 2017 New Year's Eve nightclub shooting killing 39 people.
History
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