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.
Turkey wants no confrontation with Israel in Syria after repeated Israeli attacks on military sites there undermined the new government's ability to deter threats, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told Reuters on Friday.
Turkish police have detained 11 people as part of an investigation into social media calls for an economic boycott backed by the opposition following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, state media reported on Thursday.
Israel stepped up airstrikes on Syria overnight, declaring the attacks a warning to the new Islamist rulers in Damascus as it accused their Turkish allies on Thursday of trying to turn the country into a Turkish protectorate.
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