December 26, 2025
Turkish security forces have detained 115 IS suspects in coordinated nationwide raids over alleged plans to carry out attacks during the Christmas and New Year holiday period.
State broadcaster TRT reported on Thursday that the operation targeted individuals believed to be members or affiliates of the Islamic State extremist group.
According to the report, a total of 137 suspects were identified in connection with the alleged plot. While 115 were arrested during the raids, Turkish authorities have issued international arrest warrants for the remaining suspects who are still at large.
The counterterrorism operation was led by Istanbul police units following intelligence reports indicating that IS-linked elements were planning attacks targeting non-Muslim individuals and public holiday gatherings across the country.
During searches of multiple locations, police recovered pistols and documents believed to be linked to the group’s activities. Investigators also disclosed that several of the suspects were in contact with operatives in active conflict zones.
Turkey has continued to intensify operations against IS networks operating within its borders, citing persistent security threats posed by the group.
IS previously claimed responsibility for a deadly 2017 New Year’s Eve attack on an Istanbul nightclub, which killed 39 people, reinforcing authorities’ resolve to prevent similar incidents during major festivities.
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