Türkiye Detains 125 Suspects in Nationwide Anti-IS Raids

Turkish authorities intensified their crackdown on the Islamic State (IS) group, detaining 125 suspects in nationwide raids on December 31, 2025, amid heightened security concerns over potential attacks during the holiday season. This latest operation brings the total number of arrests to nearly 600 in just one week, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed the arrests, stating on social media platform X that simultaneous operations were conducted across 25 provinces early Wednesday morning. These actions followed a December 25 warning from the Istanbul prosecutor’s office, which indicated that IS militants were planning attacks during Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The recent surge in anti-IS operations comes after a tragic incident in Yalova, where IS militants engaged police in a gunfight, resulting in the deaths of three officers and injuries to nine others. Authorities reported that six IS militants were killed in the hours-long confrontation in the northwestern town, located approximately 90 kilometers southeast of Istanbul.

In addition to the December 31 arrests, security forces detained 357 individuals linked to IS in operations across 21 provinces just a day earlier. As New Year celebrations approach, the Istanbul governor’s office has ramped up security measures in Türkiye’s largest city. More than 50,000 police officers and security personnel will be deployed to ensure a “peaceful and safe start to 2026,” with extensive precautions in place at airports, shopping malls, public transport, and entertainment venues.

Travel warnings have been issued by both Germany and Australia, advising nationals to exercise caution while in Türkiye due to the ongoing threat of terrorism. Germany’s foreign ministry highlighted the symbolic nature of the period leading up to New Year’s Eve as particularly concerning for potential terrorist attacks, urging citizens to remain vigilant. Similarly, Australia cautioned its citizens to “be alert to threats, especially in crowded public settings,” citing an increased risk around large gatherings.

The efforts to combat IS in Türkiye gained momentum following the capture of a senior IS operative, Mehmet Goren, on December 22, 2025, near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Goren is accused of orchestrating suicide attacks across Afghanistan, Pakistan, Türkiye, and Europe.

Historically, IS has perpetrated significant attacks in Europe, including a notorious incident on January 1, 2017, when a gunman opened fire in an Istanbul nightclub, killing 39 people. The perpetrator, an Uzbek national, was subsequently apprehended and sentenced to 40 life terms in prison.

Minister Yerlikaya issued a stern warning to anyone contemplating attacks against Türkiye, asserting that they would “face the might of our state and the unity of our nation.” The government’s decisive actions underscore its commitment to maintaining security and public safety during a time of heightened risk.