On Thursday, Istanbul police launched simultaneous raids across 124 locations, detaining more than a hundred suspected members of the Islamic State group who were allegedly planning attacks on Christmas and New Year celebrations.
## Nationwide Raid Operation
The Istanbul Police Counter-Terrorism Department coordinated the arrests at multiple sites around the city, targeting individuals believed to be involved in extremist activities. The operation was carried out in the early hours, with officers moving swiftly from one location to the next.
## Scale of the Arrests
Authorities reported that 115 suspects were taken into custody, out of 137 warrants issued by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. The warrants were based on information that the extremist organization had issued a call to action specifically aimed at non-Muslims during the holiday season.
## Evidence Seized
During the raids, officers seized a large cache of firearms, cartridges, and organizational documents believed to belong to the Islamic State network. The confiscated materials are expected to aid investigators in mapping the group’s operational structure.
## Ongoing Counter-Terrorism Effort
The counter-terrorism operation remains active, with police continuing to investigate the network’s broader reach. Officials have not yet released a full list of all individuals implicated in the plot.
## Targeted Holiday Period
The alleged attacks were intended to coincide with Christmas and New Year celebrations, a period when Istanbul’s public spaces and cultural venues are busiest. The call to action highlighted a particular focus on non-Muslim populations.
## Legal Framework
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that the warrants were issued after receiving credible intelligence about the planned attacks. The legal basis for the arrests is grounded in Turkey’s counter-terrorism legislation.
## Key Takeaways
– 115 suspects detained across 124 sites.
– 137 warrants issued, 115 executed.
– Firearms, ammunition, and documents seized.
The raids underscore Istanbul’s ongoing efforts to neutralize extremist threats targeting the city’s diverse communities during major public celebrations.
