115 IS suspects detained in Istanbul raids; security concerns heightened amid Christmas and New Year
Turkish authorities detained 115 suspected IS members in a series of raids in Istanbul, with 22 more suspects still sought across Turkey. The operations covered 124 addresses and resulted in the seizure of firearms, ammunition, and organisational documents. Officials have indicated that IS supporters were actively planning attacks in Turkey this week, specifically targeting non-Muslims during Christmas and New Year events.
The suspects were reportedly in contact with IS operatives outside Turkey. The announcement of these raids comes just two days after a Turkish intelligence operation against IS on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, where one Turkish national was detained. This individual is alleged to have held a senior IS role in the region and has been accused of planning attacks against civilians.
Turkey shares a border of about 900 kilometers with Syria, where IS remains active in parts of the country, heightening ongoing security concerns.
