Turkey Arrests 357 ISIS Suspects After Deadly Clash

Major Counterterrorism Operation Targets Islamic State Network

Turkish authorities have detained 357 suspected Islamic State (ISIS) members in a sweeping nationwide operation across 21 provinces, just one day after a deadly eight-hour siege in Yalova province left three police officers and six militants dead. The coordinated raids represent Turkey's third major counterterrorism action in a week and come amid heightened security concerns around New Year's celebrations.

Nationwide Crackdown Following Deadly Confrontation

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced the simultaneous operations on social media platform X, stating that security forces targeted suspects in provinces including Istanbul, Ankara, and Yalova. 'We will never give opportunities to those trying to destabilize our country,' Yerlikaya declared, emphasizing Turkey's commitment to combating terrorism. According to official statements, some of those detained were allegedly involved in opening fire on police officers during yesterday's confrontation, while others were suspected of planning attacks around the year-end holidays.

The operation follows a tragic incident in Yalova, southwest of Istanbul, where an eight-hour standoff between police and ISIS militants resulted in multiple casualties. Eight additional officers and a security guard were wounded in the exchange of gunfire. Authorities reported that all militants involved in the Yalova incident held Turkish citizenship and had been hiding in a residential property.

Escalating Security Measures

This latest crackdown comes just days after Turkish authorities arrested 115 ISIS suspects on December 25, 2025, over alleged plans to target non-Muslims during Christmas and New Year's celebrations. Security officials had received intelligence about potential attacks during the holiday period, prompting the intensified operations.

Turkish correspondent Gülsah Ercetin noted, 'This is the third major police action in a week. Raids have been conducted in dozens of provinces. Some suspects allegedly organized illegal lectures with the aim of gaining support for the terrorist organization.' According to prosecutors, some detainees are accused of financially supporting ISIS-linked groups, with funds collected in prayer spaces allegedly ending up in Syria.

Historical Context of ISIS in Turkey

Turkey has experienced significant ISIS violence in recent years, serving as both a transit route for foreign fighters to Syria and a target for attacks. Between 2015 and 2017, the country suffered several devastating assaults, including the 2017 Istanbul nightclub attack that killed 39 people during New Year's celebrations. The 2016 Atatürk Airport attack claimed 45 lives, while coordinated bombings in Ankara in 2015 resulted in over 100 fatalities.

Despite the territorial defeat of ISIS's so-called caliphate in Iraq and Syria, the group continues to inspire attacks worldwide. Turkey's 900-kilometer border with Syria remains a security concern, with remnants of the organization still operating in the region. The country has been an active member of the US-led Global Coalition Against Daesh since 2016.

Broader Implications

The scale of these operations—with 357 arrests across 21 provinces—demonstrates the extensive network Turkish authorities believe ISIS maintains within the country. Security experts note that while ISIS has lost its territorial holdings, its ideology continues to attract followers and inspire violence globally.

Turkish authorities have seized digital materials and documents during the raids, suggesting ongoing investigations into the group's financing and propaganda activities. Dozens of suspects face accusations of promoting ISIS propaganda on social media platforms, highlighting the organization's continued use of online channels for recruitment and radicalization.

As Turkey prepares for New Year's celebrations, security forces remain on high alert. The consecutive operations signal Ankara's determination to prevent any attacks during the holiday period and demonstrate the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups despite their territorial defeats in neighboring countries.