More than 350 suspected Islamic State group (IS) members have been detained as part of nationwide police operations in Turkey.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that 357 suspects were apprehended across 21 provinces in coordinated raids on Tuesday morning.
This action follows the violent events of a day prior, where three police officers and six alleged militants were killed during an eight-hour standoff in Yalova. Eight police officers and a security force member were also injured in the clash.
Less than a week ago, authorities arrested another 115 individuals believed to be planning attacks targeting non-Muslims in light of upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Yerlikaya stated that the operations spanned the country, including Ankara, Istanbul, and Yalova. He emphasized the government's commitment to combat terrorism, assuring that they would not allow terrorists to disrupt the country's peace.
On social media, Yerlikaya shared a video showing extensive counter-terrorism efforts, depicting officers detaining suspects during these operations.
The arrests took place after intelligence indicated that some suspects might plan attacks on New Year's Day. Local media reports indicate that weapons and materials intended for use in further attacks were recovered during the raids.
In conjunction with these operations in Yalova, additional detentions were made for individuals propagating provocations via social media. The funerals for the officers slain in Yalova were held shortly after the attacks, with condolences extended to their families by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Turkey's ongoing efforts to combat IS, particularly along its border with Syria, reflect a national strategy that seeks to eradicate terror threats as violence from the group persists in the region.
