Turkish authorities reported that they foiled a plot by the Islamic State to carry out terrorist attacks during the holiday period, following the arrest of 115 suspects.
According to the Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office, counterterrorism units have been investigating Islamic State activities linked to New Year’s and Christmas celebrations in Istanbul for some time.
The official statement said the operation included simultaneous raids on 124 addresses across Istanbul. Arrest warrants had been issued for 137 suspects on suspicion of membership in the terrorist organization and involvement in terrorist activity both inside Turkey and abroad.
The operation resulted in the detention of 115 suspects, as well as the seizure of weapons, ammunition, and a large quantity of organizational documents. Efforts to locate and arrest the remaining wanted individuals are ongoing.