Turkish security forces have launched a massive, nationwide crackdown on Islamic State (ISIS) cells as the country enters the high-risk New Year period. Following a series of coordinated raids, authorities have dismantled several networks allegedly plotting holiday attacks.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Scale of the Crackdown
The operations, led by the Interior Ministry and the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, spanned 21 provinces, including major hubs like Istanbul and Ankara.
- Total Detentions: While early reports noted 115 arrests, a massive push on December 30, 2025, saw an additional 357 suspects taken into custody.
- Preventative Action: Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that the suspects were under surveillance for allegedly planning strikes against crowded public spaces and non-Muslim communities during Christmas and New Year festivities.
- Intelligence Success: A major blow was dealt to the group’s leadership with the capture of Mehmet Goren (“Yahya”), a senior operative brought back to Turkey by MIT (National Intelligence Organization) from the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.
Escalation and Conflict in Yalova
The sweep has not been without casualties. A specific raid in the province of Yalova turned into a violent, eight-hour standoff between militants and elite police units:
- Casualties: The clash resulted in the deaths of three police officers and six ISIS militants.
- Injuries: Nine other security personnel were wounded during the exchange of fire.
Evidence and Motivation
Police recovered a significant amount of incriminating material during the raids, including:
- Arms & Tech: Firearms, ammunition, and digital devices containing organizational data.
- Financial Networks: Evidence of illicit fundraising disguised as charitable donations to support ISIS operations in Syria and beyond.
Context: Preventing a Repeat of 2017
These aggressive measures are part of a broader strategy to prevent a tragedy similar to the 2017 Reina nightclub attack, where 39 people were killed on New Year’s Eve. With ISIS attempting to reorganize in the region, Turkish authorities have signaled a “zero-tolerance” approach toward any cells operating within their borders.
