Turkish authorities executed nationwide coordinated raids, detaining 115 suspected Islamic State members on 26 December 2025. The Istanbul Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that Türkiye detains Islamic State members following intelligence of planned attacks during Christmas and New Year celebrations. Police operations targeted 124 addresses across the country in simultaneous enforcement actions.
Figure 1: People gather inside a church during Christmas
The Islamic State arrest Türkiye operation aimed to prevent terrorist activities specifically targeting non-Muslim individuals during holiday festivities. Arrest warrants were issued for 137 suspects in total, with 22 individuals still at large. The Türkiye terror attack plot prompted immediate counterterrorism responses from security forces.
Türkiye Terror Attack Plot Targets Holiday Celebrations
The Istanbul Prosecutor’s Office stated that information revealed the Islamic State Armed Terrorist Organisation planned actions targeting Türkiye. Intelligence indicated particular focus on non-Muslim individuals within the scope of upcoming Christmas and New Year events. The Türkiye detains Islamic State members who prevented potentially deadly attacks during the holiday period.
Investigators determined ISIS operatives were actively planning coordinated strikes across the country. The suspects maintained contact with conflict zones as part of terrorist organisation activities. The Islamic State’s arrest in the Türkiye operation disrupted communication networks between domestic operatives and external command structures.
Security services obtained critical intelligence about the imminent threat posed by Islamic State cells. The Türkiye terror attack plot specifically targeted Christmas and New Year celebrations attended by diverse communities. Authorities acted swiftly to neutralise the threat before operatives could execute their plans.
Coordinated Police Raids Across 124 Addresses
Turkish police carried out simultaneous arrest, search and seizure operations at 124 addresses nationwide. The coordinated raids resulted in Türkiye detains Islamic State members across multiple provinces simultaneously. Law enforcement seized pistols, ammunition and organisational documents during the comprehensive operations
Figure 2: Armed security personnel near a government building.
The Istanbul Chief Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that 115 of the 137 wanted suspects were captured. Operations to apprehend the remaining 22 suspects continue with active pursuit measures. The Islamic State arrest Türkiye sweep represents one of the largest counterterrorism operations in recent months.
Police forces executed the raids with precision timing to prevent suspect communication and escape. The Türkiye terror attack plot investigation identified specific addresses linked to suspected terrorist activities. Seized materials included weapons, communications equipment and planning documents revealing operational details.
Intelligence Links Suspects to External Conflict Zones
The prosecutor’s office statement confirmed suspects maintained contact with conflict zones outside Türkiye. Islamic State operatives communicated with external command structures coordinating terrorist organisation activities. The Türkiye detains Islamic State members operation disrupted these international terrorist networks.
Intelligence agencies tracked communications between domestic suspects and ISIS operatives in Afghanistan and Pakistan. A Turkish national allegedly holding senior Islamic State positions in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region was detained. The Islamic State arrest Türkiye operation followed two days after this international intelligence raid.
Turkish security services regularly monitor individuals with suspected links to Islamic State activities. The country’s 900-kilometre border with Syria, where ISIS continues operating, presents ongoing security challenges. The Türkiye terror attack plot investigation revealed sophisticated coordination between domestic and international terrorist elements.
Historical Context of Holiday-Period Threats
Türkiye routinely intensifies counterterrorism operations around the end-of-year holidays following past attacks. The 2017 Islamic State attack on Istanbul’s Reina nightclub during New Year celebrations killed dozens. The Türkiye detains Islamic State members in Türkiye reflects heightened security protocols during vulnerable periods.
Turkish authorities implement wide-ranging security measures, particularly during Christmas and New Year festivities. The Islamic State arrest Türkiye operation demonstrates proactive approaches to preventing repeat tragedies. Security forces maintain an elevated alert status throughout the holiday season.
The Reina nightclub massacre remains a stark reminder of the Islamic State’s capabilities within Türkiye. That attack targeted New Year celebrations specifically, killing 39 people and injuring dozens more. The Türkiye terror attack plot intelligence suggested a similar targeting of holiday gatherings.
Ongoing Regional Counterterrorism Efforts
Turkish intelligence agents conducted raids against Islamic State positions on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border recently. These international operations complement domestic efforts where Türkiye detains Islamic State members within national borders. Coordinated regional approaches strengthen overall counterterrorism effectiveness.
Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa, maintaining close ties with the Turkish government, vowed to eliminate surviving ISIS elements. The United States launched air strikes against Islamic State positions across Syria following attacks on Americans. The Islamic State arrest Türkiye operation forms part of broader multinational counterterrorism coordination.
Turkish security services continue targeting suspected Islamic State affiliates through regular enforcement operations. The country’s strategic position bordering active conflict zones necessitates constant vigilance. The Türkiye terror attack plot demonstrates effective intelligence gathering and rapid response capabilities.
Evidence Seized During Raids
Police seized multiple pistols and substantial ammunition quantities during the coordinated operations. Officials described recovered materials as organisational documents detailing Islamic State activities. The Türkiye detains Islamic State members produced significant evidence for ongoing investigations.
Figure 4: Istanbul Palace of Justice
Seized documents provide insights into the Islamic State operational planning and communication networks. Weapons confiscated during the Islamic State arrest Türkiye operation prevent potential use in planned attacks. Investigators analyse recovered materials to identify additional suspects and prevent future threats.
The prosecutor’s office indicated further information would be released as investigations continue. Evidence analysis reveals the extent of the Türkiye terror attack plot and identifies potential accomplices. Forensic examination of seized materials supports prosecution efforts against detained suspects.
International Cooperation and Information Sharing
Turkish authorities coordinate with international partners, sharing intelligence on transnational terrorist threats. The Türkiye detains Islamic State members who benefited from multinational intelligence cooperation.
Regional security partnerships enhance capabilities to identify and neutralise terrorist networks. Information exchanges between Turkish, American and European security services improve threat detection.
The Islamic State arrest Türkiye operation demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated international counterterrorism efforts. Shared intelligence enables rapid responses to emerging threats across borders.
FAQ
Q1. How many suspects were detained in the Islamic State arrest Türkiye operation?
Ans. Turkish authorities detained 115 suspected Islamic State members during coordinated nationwide raids on 26 December 2025.
Q2. What was the target of the Türkiye terror attack plot?
Ans. The Islamic State Armed Terrorist Organisation planned attacks targeting Türkiye during Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Q3. What evidence was seized during the Islamic State arrest in Türkiye raids?
Ans. Police seized pistols, ammunition and organisational documents during simultaneous operations at 124 addresses.
Q4. Why does Türkiye detains Islamic State members during holiday periods?
Ans. Turkish authorities routinely intensify counterterrorism operations around the end-of-year holidays following the 2017 Reina nightclub attack.
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