Turkish authorities have announced the disruption of planned attacks targeting Christmas and New Year celebrations, following the arrest of more than 100 suspected members of the Islamic State (IS) group.
According to Istanbul’s chief prosecutor, security forces carried out coordinated raids on 124 locations across the city, seizing firearms, ammunition and what officials described as “organisational documents” linked to the extremist group. A total of 115 suspects were detained during the operation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend an additional 22 individuals believed to be involved.
Officials said intelligence gathered ahead of the raids indicated that IS supporters had been actively planning attacks across Turkey this week, with particular focus on gatherings associated with non-Muslim communities during the festive period. Investigators also revealed that the suspects were in communication with IS operatives outside Turkey, raising concerns about cross-border coordination.
The crackdown comes just two days after Turkish intelligence agents carried out a separate operation near the Afghanistan–Pakistan border, resulting in the arrest of a Turkish national alleged to be a senior figure within an IS affiliate operating in the region. Authorities said the suspect was accused of planning attacks against civilians.
Turkey’s security services have intensified efforts in recent years to dismantle IS networks, frequently arresting individuals suspected of having links to the group. The country shares a 900-kilometre border with Syria, where remnants of IS continue to operate despite significant territorial losses.
Meanwhile, Syria’s President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who maintains close ties with the Turkish government, has pledged to work alongside the United States and European partners to eliminate remaining IS elements. The United States recently launched a series of air strikes against IS positions in Syria following the killing of three Americans earlier this month.
Turkish authorities say investigations into the disrupted plots are ongoing, stressing that security measures will remain heightened to prevent any threat to public safety during the holiday period.
Melissa Enoch
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