Turkish authorities have launched a major security crackdown ahead of New Year's Eve celebrations, detaining more than 120 individuals suspected of links to the Islamic State (IS) group. The nationwide operation aims to thwart potential terrorist attacks during the festive period.
Nationwide Raids and a Deadly Clash
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced on social media platform X that 125 Daesh suspects were captured in simultaneous operations carried out across 25 Turkish provinces on the morning of December 31. This brings the total number of people detained in anti-IS raids over the past week to nearly 600.
The crackdown, which began on December 24, was initiated after police intelligence indicated suspected ISIS members were plotting attacks during the Christmas and New Year season. The Istanbul chief prosecutor's office stated that information pointed to a planned attack targeting non-Muslims in particular.
The operations turned violent on Monday during a raid in the northwestern town of Yalova, located on the shores of the Sea of Marmara. IS militants opened fire on police, leading to an hours-long gun battle. The interior minister confirmed that three police officers were killed and nine others were wounded. Six IS militants were also killed in the confrontation.
International Warnings and Historical Context
In response to the heightened threat, several countries have issued travel advisories for Turkey. Germany's foreign ministry explicitly warned that the period before New Year's Eve is "a particularly symbolic time for terrorist attacks," urging citizens to exercise particular caution. Australia advised its nationals to be alert in crowded public settings due to an increased risk.
The threat is underscored by a past tragedy in Istanbul. In the early hours of January 1, 2017, an IS gunman attacked the Reina nightclub, killing 39 people, most of whom were foreigners. The perpetrator was later captured and sentenced to life in prison.
The recent wave of arrests follows the reported capture of a senior Turkish IS figure, Mehmet Goren, near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border on December 22. Goren was allegedly tasked with organising suicide attacks in multiple regions, including Turkey and Europe.
Official Response and Ongoing Vigilance
In his statements, Interior Minister Yerlikaya issued a stern warning, declaring that anyone seeking to attack Turkey would "face the might of our state and the unity of our nation." The extensive security measures highlight the ongoing global challenge posed by Islamic State affiliates and the specific focus on symbolic dates.
As revelers prepare to welcome the new year, Turkish security forces remain on high alert, with the detentions representing a significant pre-emptive strike against suspected terrorist networks operating within the country.
