MIT on high alert: ISIS operations continue ahead of New Year's Eve
Evidence regarding suicide bombing plots was found in the digital materials of İbrahim Burtakuçin, who was captured in Malatya during a joint operation by the MIT and the police, targeting an attack planned by ISIS for New Year's Eve.
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The National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and the General Directorate of Security announced that they have captured an ISIS member, who was allegedly preparing for an attack for New Year's Eve, in a joint operation conducted in Malatya. As a result of intelligence efforts, it was determined that the suspect, named İbrahim Burtakuçin, continued to operate on behalf of ISIS in Turkey and was seeking to join conflict zones.
PLANNING AN ATTACK FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE
According to MIT's findings, it was revealed that Burtakuçin was in contact with ISIS sympathizers in Turkey and was preparing for a major attack for New Year's Eve. Examinations indicated that many digital materials and visuals encouraging participation in ISIS were found in the suspect's possession.
EVIDENCE REGARDING SUICIDE BOMBING ATTACKS FOUND
The digital materials seized during the operation included software belonging to ISIS, flags, audio files regarding suicide bombing and fedayeen attacks, and videos of ISIS leaders. Furthermore, it was determined that the suspect's organizational communications with other ISIS members had been recorded.
The Gendarmerie had issued a special warning to its personnel regarding the possibility that ISIS might plan a sensational terrorist attack for New Year's Eve 2023. In an internal memorandum issued by the Ankara Provincial Gendarmerie Command on December 19, it was requested that measures be increased against the possibility of attacks, particularly in crowded areas. According to this document, potential attacks included armed assaults, suicide bombings, vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) attacks, and attacks that could be carried out using drones.
115 PEOPLE IN CUSTODY
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office announced that it had taken 115 people into custody in line with information received that ISIS might target Christmas and New Year's Eve events. It was stated that further information regarding ISIS's attack preparations was obtained during this operation, preventing a greater danger.