istanbul
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Turkish police have detained 115 suspected ISIS militants in systematic raids across the country on suspicion of plots related to Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Arrest warrants have been issued for 137 suspects after investigators determined that operatives of ISIS, also known as the Islamic State, were planning attacks in Turkey during the holiday period, the Istanbul Prosecutor’s Office said in a statement on Thursday.
“Information has come to light that the armed terrorist organization ISIS is planning actions targeting our country, particularly non-Muslims, within the scope of the upcoming Christmas and New Year events,” the statement said.
“They were in contact with the conflict area within the scope of the terrorist organization’s activities,” the statement added.
Police carried out simultaneous arrest, search and seizure operations at 124 addresses, confiscating handguns, ammunition and what authorities described as organizational documents. According to prosecutors, an investigation is underway to arrest the remaining 22 suspects.
Turkey regularly ramps up extensive counter-terrorism operations around the year-end holidays, particularly since ISIS attacked Istanbul’s Reina nightclub during New Year’s celebrations in 2017, killing dozens.
Officials said more information would be released as the investigation progresses.
