ISIS operation before New Year's: 115 suspects apprehended

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office announced to the public that a comprehensive operation was carried out against the ISIS terrorist organization in response to the risk of potential attacks during the upcoming Christmas and New Year's period. The statement noted that intelligence had been obtained regarding the organization's calls for action and attack plans.

Within the scope of the investigation conducted by the Istanbul Police Department's Counter-Terrorism Branch under the instructions of the Terror Crimes Investigation Bureau, efforts were made regarding ISIS's activities targeting Turkey.

CLAIMS OF PLANS TARGETING NON-MUSLIMS

In the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office statement, it was expressed that information had been obtained indicating the organization was engaged in calls for action and attack preparations targeting the country, particularly non-Muslim individuals, within the scope of Christmas and New Year's events.

It was reported that investigations determined some suspects were in contact with conflict zones. The statement also noted that arrest warrants existed for some of the suspects within the scope of terror crimes both across Turkey and at an international level.

Within the scope of the investigation, a simultaneous operation was conducted on 124 different addresses across Istanbul. During the operations, arrest, detention, search, and seizure procedures were carried out regarding 137 suspects.

In the statement made by the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, it was reported that pistols, cartridges, and numerous organizational documents were seized as a result of the operations.

115 SUSPECTS APPREHENDED

It was stated that 115 suspects were apprehended and taken into custody during the operations. Efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects who are at large are ongoing.

DEVELOPMENTS WILL BE SHARED

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office announced that developments regarding the investigation process will be shared with the public separately.

OFFICIAL WARNING LETTER FOR ANKARA AND ISTANBUL HAD SURFACED

A few days before the operation, an official correspondence shared between security units regarding ISIS's attack preparations had emerged. The correspondence included information that, in line with the instructions of the organization's so-called leadership, actions could be carried out in different locations to prevent internal disintegration, provide morale to sympathizers, and create fear in the public.

News Source: 12punto