72 ISIS suspects detained in Turkey: Interior minister
Turkey continues its anti-terrorist nationwide counterterrorism operations.
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Turkish forensic police officers hold boxes as they walk in front of Santa Maria church after an attack, in Istanbul, on January 28, 2024. (AFP)
72 people suspected of ties with the ISIS terrorist group were arrested by Turkish police, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said on Thursday.
"72 suspects were detained in 13 provinces in an operation against ISIS," he wrote on X.
1️⃣3️⃣ ilde DEAŞ Terör Örgütüne yönelik gerçekleştirilen “GÜRZ-1” operasyonlarında 7️⃣2️⃣ şüpheli yakalandı❗
— Ali Yerlikaya (@AliYerlikaya) July 25, 2024
Teröristlerin hiçbirine göz açtırmayacağız. Tek bir hedefimiz var; son terörist etkisiz hale getirilinceye kadar sizlerin duası ve desteği ile durmadan, duraksamadan… pic.twitter.com/EQWwlFStu0
The police raids took place across the nation, including major cities such as Ankara, Istanbul, and Antalya where large amounts of money were obtained, and digital carriers were confiscated.
The minister estimates that around 3,500 suspects have been arrested in Turkey's efforts to combat terrorism through routine nationwide operations.
Turkish police arrest 45 suspected ISIS members
Turkey has carried out a number of ISIS operations.
Earlier this month, Turkish police arrested 45 people for suspected ties to the ISIS terrorist group.
"We will not tolerate any terrorists," Yerlikaya wrote on X, adding, "We have only one goal; To fight without stopping, with your prayers and support, until the last terrorist is neutralized."
1️⃣6️⃣ ilde DEAŞ Terör Örgütüne yönelik gerçekleştirilen “BOZDOĞAN-48” operasyonlarında 4️⃣5️⃣ şüpheli yakalandı❗
— Ali Yerlikaya (@AliYerlikaya) July 5, 2024
Aziz Milletimizin Bilmesini İsterim ki;
Teröristlerin hiçbirine göz açtırmayacağız. Tek bir hedefimiz var; son terörist etkisiz hale getirilinceye kadar sizlerin duası… pic.twitter.com/GbVNCxvEMY
Similarly, in February, Turkish security forces arrested 25 people suspected to be linked to the church terrorist shooting incident that occurred on January 28 in Istanbul, Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc said on February 2.
Two masked gunmen opened fire during Sunday Mass at the Italian Catholic Church of St. Mary, resulting in the death of Turkish citizen Tuncer Cihan as identified by Yerlikaya.
The detainees were reportedly planning attacks on churches, synagogues, and the Iraqi embassy.