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Turkish security forces detained more than 350 suspects in coordinated police operations centered in Istanbul and Türkiye's capital Ankara, covering multiple provinces.
In a statement regarding the operations, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said, "We apprehended 357 Daesh suspects in simultaneous operations carried out by our police across 21 provinces this morning."
According to an official statement, the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office ordered the detention of 17 suspects as part of ongoing investigations into the Daesh armed terrorist organization, authorities said.
The decision was made following examinations of digital materials obtained during earlier investigations.
The analysis revealed evidence linking the suspects to conflict zones and indicating their membership in the terrorist group.
The suspects include 11 foreign nationals and 6 Turkish citizens.
Detention orders were issued starting Dec. 30, 2025. All 17 suspects have been captured, and procedures for their transfer to the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office are ongoing under the coordination of the Ankara Police Department’s Counterterrorism Branch Directorate.
Daesh terrorists killed three Turkish police officers during an anti-terror operation in Türkiye's Yalova district on December 29.
In a separate and broader operation, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office detained 110 suspects during coordinated raids targeting Daesh activities.
The investigation, carried out under the supervision of the Terror Crimes Investigation Bureau and implemented by the Istanbul Police Department’s Counterterrorism Branch, focused on identifying and dismantling the group’s organizational structure and activities.
Security forces carried out simultaneous operations at 114 addresses across Istanbul and two other provinces.
Prosecutors said evidence indicated that a suspect identified as M.Y. was acting as a so-called leader or preacher, organizing illegal religious lessons and gatherings.
Authorities stated that these activities were used to recruit supporters for the organization.
According to the statement, funds collected under the names of alms, charity, and donations at illegal prayer locations were allegedly transferred to Daesh-linked individuals, including those held in camps in Syria, and used to finance training and education activities tied to the organization.
The investigation also covered suspects believed to be connected to a recent attack in Yalova, individuals assessed as capable of carrying out similar attacks around the New Year period, people with proven links to the organization, and others accused of spreading Daesh propaganda on social media platforms.
Additionally, authorities identified foreign terrorist fighters classified under Türkiye’s immigration and counterterrorism laws, citing their links to conflict zones and their status as threats to national security.
During searches of suspects’ residences, police seized numerous digital materials and organizational documents.
Officials said these materials are being examined as part of the investigation.
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office said Türkiye’s fight against all terrorist organizations would continue with determination and resolve, emphasizing that operations against Daesh are ongoing nationwide.
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