Turkey's Major Crackdown: 357 Suspected IS Members Detained

Tue Dec 30 2025 16:44:46 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a nationwide operation, Turkish authorities apprehended 357 individuals suspected of being linked to the Islamic State, following a tense period of violence that left several police dead.

Turkey's police force has detained 357 suspected members of the Islamic State (IS) in a series of coordinated raids across 21 provinces. The operations occurred just a day after a deadly siege in Yalova, underscoring the heightened threat of terrorism with the holiday season approaching. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reaffirmed Turkey's commitment to eliminating terrorism from the country, illustrating the ongoing security efforts as authorities target potential threats ahead of New Year celebrations.

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. Another eight police officers and a security force member were 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 across the country, 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 showing dozens of counter-terrorism officers participating in the operations and detaining several individuals.

The raids resulted in the seizure of documents and digital materials, while local media reported that weapons such as knives and bullets were found. Intelligence suggested that suspects might attempt an attack on New Year's Day.

Interior minister Yerlikaya announced that 16 individuals had been detained in Yalova for making provocative posts on social media related to the ongoing tensions.

Turkey shares a 900km border with Syria, where IS continues to operate, and the country's security services regularly target suspected members of the group. The recent crackdown emphasizes Turkey's ongoing struggle against terrorism as the festive season approaches.