Turkish authorities have detained 115 suspected members of the so-called Islamic State (IS) group as part of a major operation targeting planned attacks on Christmas and New Year events across Turkey. The arrests came following a series of coordinated raids in Istanbul, where law enforcement officials also seized firearms, ammunition, and organisational documents.

Mass Raids in Istanbul

The Istanbul chief prosecutor’s office reported that raids were conducted at 124 addresses across the city. Officials said the suspects were actively planning attacks targeting non-Muslims and were in contact with IS operatives outside Turkey. Efforts are ongoing to locate an additional 22 suspects connected to the group.

The arrests follow intelligence-led operations conducted two days earlier on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, where a Turkish national with a senior role in the IS wing operating in the region was detained. He was accused of plotting attacks against civilians.

Turkey’s Security Measures Against IS

Turkey regularly targets individuals with suspected links to IS due to its geopolitical proximity to Syria, sharing a 900 km (560 mile) border with the country where IS continues to operate in parts. Turkish security services maintain constant vigilance to prevent the infiltration of extremist elements into major cities.

The Turkish government has stressed cooperation with international partners, including the United States and Europe, to root out remaining IS operatives. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who maintains close ties with Ankara, has pledged to assist in these counterterrorism efforts.

International Context

The arrests come in the wake of US air strikes across Syria targeting IS positions after the group killed three Americans earlier this month. Two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter were reportedly killed during an ambush carried out by IS gunmen, prompting the retaliatory strikes.

Turkey’s operation demonstrates the country’s ongoing commitment to preventing extremist attacks during key public holidays and maintaining internal security amid ongoing regional instability.