Turkey Cracks Down on IS Threat: 357 Arrested in Nationwide Raids

Tue Dec 30 2025 15:00:48 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a swift response to escalating tensions, Turkish authorities detained 357 individuals suspected of belonging to the Islamic State during coordinated raids in 21 provinces, amid fears of planned attacks during the holiday season.

Turkey's Interior Minister announced the arrest of 357 suspected members of the Islamic State across 21 provinces in a major security operation. This follow-up to recent violence, including an armed siege leading to police fatalities, highlights ongoing efforts to thwart terrorist activities in the country ahead of holiday 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 stated that 357 suspects were apprehended across 21 provinces during coordinated raids on Tuesday morning.

This operation comes a day after an violent incident in Yalova where three police officers and six alleged militants were killed during an eight-hour siege, with several others injured.

Prior to this, authorities had arrested 115 individuals believed to be plotting attacks targeting non-Muslims during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Yerlikaya confirmed that the operations took place in key cities including Ankara, Istanbul, and Yalova, emphasizing Turkey's commitment to combating terrorism.

The interior minister shared a video showing counter-terrorism officers executing the operations and making several arrests.

The recent raids highlighted intelligence reports suggesting that suspects were potentially aiming to execute attacks on New Year's Day, prompting heightened vigilance from security forces.

In Yalova, additional arrests of 16 individuals were made for inciting violence on social media. The funerals for the three officers killed in the recent attack were conducted shortly after the nationwide operation.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan conveyed his condolences and reaffirmed the nation's resolve in combating threats from IS and similar groups, indicating support for international efforts to curb their influence.

Turkey continues to be proactive in monitoring possible IS-related activities, especially given its extensive border with Syria, where remnants of the group are still active.

This surge in arrests is part of Turkey's broader strategy to ensure security and stability during a season often marked by increased terrorist threats.