Alleged armed plot in Istanbul: 7 detained, numerous weapons and bombs seized

A total of 7 people have been detained in operations targeting organized crime suspects who were determined to be preparing for a major armed attack in Istanbul. In a chain of operations that began with a report of shots fired into the air in Eyüpsultan and spread to 5 districts, numerous long-barreled weapons, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and fake license plates were seized. While some of the detained suspects have been arrested, those caught in the latest operation have been referred to the courthouse.

The meticulous follow-up by teams from the Istanbul Police Department's Public Security Branch Office, Robbery Bureau, prevented a bloody attack in the megacity.

REPORT IN GÖKTÜRK EXPOSED THE MAJOR PLAN

The operation process began on July 8, 2026, with a report reaching the police that shots were fired into the air in the Göktürk Merkez neighborhood of Eyüpsultan district.

Upon the report, teams went to the area and caught the suspect B.Ş. red-handed with long-barreled weapons and bombs, neutralizing him.

Determining that B.Ş. was preparing for a large-scale armed attack, expert teams deepened the investigation and soon detained individuals named M.A.K. and M.K., who were linked to the suspect. The 3 suspects caught in this first wave were arrested by the criminal judgeship of peace to which they were referred and sent to prison.

SIMULTANEOUS RAIDS ON 10 ADDRESSES IN 5 DISTRICTS

In the second phase of the investigation, police teams identified the safe houses where the suspects provided logistical and ammunition support. Simultaneous dawn operations were carried out on 10 addresses identified in 5 different districts across Istanbul.

An arsenal was practically seized during the searches:

1 long-barreled rifle,

2 improvised explosive device (IED) mechanisms,

2 unlicensed pistols,

Numerous magazines and hundreds of cartridges belonging to these weapons,

Fake license plates and motorcycle helmets, which are considered to have been hidden to facilitate escape during attacks.

JUDICIAL PROCESS CONTINUES

Within the scope of the expanded operation, R.R., E.A., and A.K., who were determined to be linked to the attack preparations, were detained by police teams, while R.T., who had an arrest warrant against him, surrendered to security forces following the pressure.

The 4 suspects who were caught and surrendered in the final operation were referred to the courthouse today under heavy security measures after the completion of their questioning and procedures at the police station. The suspects, whose prosecution questioning is ongoing, are expected to be referred to the court with a request for arrest.