News|ISIL/ISISTurkiye arrests 115 ISIL suspects it says planned holiday attacksRaids across Istanbul seize weapons as authorities seek 22 remaining suspects still at large.
On Thu, Dec 24, 2025, Turkish security forces successfully disrupted planned attacks on Christmas and New Year celebrations by arresting over 100 suspected ISIL operatives in Istanbul. The Istanbul chief prosecutor’s office confirmed the apprehension of…
On Thu, Dec 24, 2025, Turkish security forces successfully disrupted planned attacks on Christmas and New Year celebrations by arresting over 100 suspected ISIL operatives in Istanbul. The Istanbul chief prosecutor’s office confirmed the apprehension of 115 suspects during raids conducted across 124 locations.
The operation was initiated following intelligence reports indicating that ISIL members were planning attacks in Turkiye, targeting non-Muslims during the holiday season. During the raids, officers confiscated firearms, ammunition, and organizational documents.
Efforts are ongoing to locate an additional 22 suspects. The coordinated operation involved intelligence services, police, and military forces, targeting individuals engaged in financing and promoting ISIL activities. Many of those arrested were found to have connections with ISIL operatives beyond Turkiye, highlighting the international scope of the threat.
The recent arrests mark a significant phase in Turkiye’s ongoing campaign against ISIL, which is identified as a major terrorism threat to the nation. Given Turkiye’s proximity to Syria—where ISIL maintains a presence despite territorial losses in 2019—the country remains a primary target for ISIL operations.
On Thu, Dec 24, 2025, Turkish security forces successfully disrupted planned attacks on Christmas and New Year celebrations by arresting over 100 suspected ISIL operatives in Istanbul.
Since being declared a terrorist organization by Turkiye in 2013, over 19,000 individuals have been detained on suspicion of ISIL affiliations. Additionally, more than 7,600 foreign nationals, suspected of involvement with foreign armed groups, have been deported.
Recent Operations and International Context
The latest operation follows extensive arrests in March, where 298 suspected ISIL members were detained across 47 provinces. This aligns with broader international efforts against ISIL, as evidenced by recent US-led strikes on ISIL positions in Syria, targeting over 70 sites in response to attacks on US personnel.
Moreover, Syria's current administration has committed to collaborating with the US and European allies to combat remaining ISIL threats, recently announcing the capture of a senior ISIL leader.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
