In a significant security crackdown, Turkish authorities have apprehended nearly 200 individuals suspected of being associated with the jihadist group ISIS.
Over the past few months, Turkey has escalated its efforts to combat ISIS members © Mena Today
In a significant security crackdown, Turkish authorities have apprehended nearly 200 individuals suspected of being associated with the jihadist group ISIS in a series of operations across the country, just before New Year's celebrations, announced Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya on Saturday.
Yerlikaya conveyed through a message on social media that 189 suspects were arrested in 37 cities, with 27 in Ankara and 22 in Istanbul.
Over the past few months, Turkey has escalated its efforts to combat ISIS members within its borders. The group had claimed responsibility for several deadly attacks in Turkey, including the infamous nightclub attack in Istanbul on January 1, 2017, which resulted in the deaths of 39 people.
On Friday, authorities had already reported the arrest of 32 suspected ISIS members, including three significant figures within the group. These individuals were believed to be planning attacks, including ones targeting churches, synagogues, and the Iraqi embassy.
Last week, the Turkish police conducted a sweeping operation across 32 cities, leading to the arrest of more than 300 people on suspicion of having ties to ISIS.
President Tayyip Erdogan's nationalist ally said on Tuesday the Kurdish militant PKK's jailed leader could be allowed to speak in Turkey's parliament, if he announces an end to the group's insurgency, in exchange for the possibility of being released.
The U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, who built a powerful Islamic movement in Turkey and beyond but spent his later years mired in accusations of orchestrating an attempted coup against Turkish leader Tayyip Erdogan, has died. He was 83.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Saturday that a project to possibly supply Turkey with Eurofighter jets was an effort being driven by Britain and was in the early stages.
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