Istanbul, Turkey – December 25, 2025 – Turkish security forces have successfully thwarted planned terrorist attacks targeting Christmas and New Year celebrations by arresting 115 suspected ISIL (ISIS) operatives in Istanbul, officials confirmed. The arrests come amid heightened concerns over the group’s attempts to carry out attacks against civilians during the holiday season.

Massive Raids Across Istanbul

The Istanbul chief prosecutor’s office reported that authorities conducted coordinated raids across 124 locations on Thursday, detaining 115 suspects who were actively being sought. The operation was part of an ongoing effort to neutralize threats posed by ISIL networks in Turkey and prevent potential attacks on both residents and tourists.

The Turkish authorities continue to search for the 22 remaining suspects who are still at large. Officials say these individuals are considered highly dangerous and are believed to be directly involved in planning attacks during the holiday period.

Weapons and Propaganda Seized

During the raids, security forces confiscated firearms, ammunition, and organisational documents linked to ISIL operations. Authorities also identified individuals involved in financing the group’s activities and disseminating propaganda online.

The prosecutor’s office emphasized that many of those arrested had connections with ISIL operatives outside Turkey, highlighting the transnational nature of the ISIS threat.

Turkey’s Ongoing Fight Against ISIL

The recent arrests represent a continuation of Turkey’s aggressive counterterrorism campaign. Turkish officials regard ISIL as the country’s second-most significant terrorism threat, following domestic extremist groups.

Turkey’s geographic location, sharing a long border with Syria, makes it a strategic target for ISIL activities. Despite losing its territorial strongholds in Iraq and Syria in 2019, ISIL has expanded its influence in Central Asia and Africa, creating a persistent security challenge.

Since the collapse of ISIL’s self-proclaimed caliphate, thousands of suspected ISIL members have reportedly settled in Turkey, prompting intensified monitoring and arrests. Turkey officially declared ISIL a terrorist organization in 2013. Between 2013 and 2023, more than 19,000 individuals were arrested for suspected links to the group, while over 7,600 foreign nationals were deported for engaging with foreign armed organizations.

Context: Regional and Global ISIL Activity

Thursday’s operation comes just days after U.S. forces launched extensive airstrikes on ISIL positions in Syria, targeting more than 70 locations in response to a recent ambush in Palmyra that killed two American soldiers. Meanwhile, Syria’s new government, under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, has pledged cooperation with U.S. and European authorities to combat remaining ISIL elements.

Earlier this year, in March, Turkey conducted widespread operations across 47 provinces, resulting in the arrest of 298 suspected ISIL members over a two-week period. These ongoing efforts underline Turkey’s commitment to safeguarding both national and regional security from extremist threats.

The Importance of Continued Counterterrorism Measures

Security experts note that the arrests are a crucial step in preventing holiday terror attacks in Turkey. By dismantling local ISIL cells and disrupting their communications with international networks, Turkey aims to minimize the risk to civilians, especially during high-profile celebrations such as Christmas and New Year.

Authorities continue to appeal to the public to report suspicious activity and remain vigilant, particularly in urban centers like Istanbul, where large gatherings and tourist activity make potential attacks more devastating.