20 suspects detained in Istanbul anti-Daesh operation

Turkish counterterrorism forces conducting an operation, photo accessed on September 17, 2024. (AA Photo)

Authorities in Istanbul have detained 20 individuals suspected of being linked to the Daesh terrorist group during a coordinated counterterrorism operation, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office announced on Tuesday.

The arrests are part of an investigation by the Counterterrorism Crimes Investigation Bureau, which identified 32 individuals reportedly connected to Daesh and active conflict zones.

Footage from the operation targeting 20 individuals suspected of being linked to the Daesh terrorist group, video accessed on April 8, 2025. (AA Video)

Foreign terrorist members targeted in Istanbul

The suspects are believed to be foreign terrorist fighters with potential plans to carry out actions in Türkiye, according to the prosecutor's office.

Based on these findings, arrest warrants were issued for all 32 individuals.

Acting on the warrants, the Istanbul Counterterrorism Department launched a series of raids across the city, detaining 20 suspects.

Weapons, cash and digital evidence seized

During the searches of the suspects' residences, security teams recovered:

One unlicensed pistol
Two empty magazines
86 rounds of ammunition
$68,700 in cash
?75,000 in cash ($1,973)
A large number of digital devices and data storage units

All suspects were taken to the police headquarters for processing.

Investigation continues for remaining suspects

Authorities have not yet located the remaining 12 suspects, and the investigation is ongoing. No additional details were provided regarding the specific activities or roles of the detained individuals.

April 08, 2025 02:06 PM GMT+03:00