Turkish police have apprehended 115 individuals suspected of being members of the Islamic State extremist group in nationwide raids, following allegations of plans to carry out attacks during the Christmas and New Year festivities, state media reported on Thursday.
A total of 137 individuals are wanted for arrest, according to the state broadcaster TRT. Turkey has issued international arrest warrants for the remaining suspects who are still at large, the report indicated.
The operation, spearheaded by Istanbul’s counter-terrorism units, was prompted by intelligence suggesting that IS-linked elements were planning strikes against non-Muslim individuals and holiday gatherings, TRT reported.
Police confiscated pistols and documents during searches of several addresses.
Investigators stated that the suspects had been in contact with operatives in active conflict zones, according to the report.
Turkey routinely conducts operations against alleged Islamic State networks operating within its borders.
The group claimed responsibility for a 2017 attack on an Istanbul nightclub during New Year’s Eve celebrations, which resulted in the deaths of 39 people.
(dpa/NAN)
