Türkiye Intensifies Anti-IS Operations, Detains 125 Suspects

Türkiye has escalated its anti-Islamic State (IS) operations, detaining an additional 125 suspects in nationwide raids on December 31, 2025. This action comes in response to intelligence warnings indicating that IS militants were planning attacks during the holiday season. In total, nearly 600 individuals have been apprehended in anti-IS operations over the past week.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced the arrests, stating on X, “We captured 125 Daesh suspects in simultaneous operations carried out in 25 provinces this morning,” referring to the Arabic acronym for IS. Just days earlier, on December 25, security forces had arrested 115 suspects following warnings that the extremist group intended to carry out attacks during the Christmas and New Year celebrations, according to the Istanbul prosecutor’s office.

On December 29, a separate nationwide operation led to a violent confrontation in the northwestern town of Yalova, where IS militants opened fire on police, resulting in the deaths of three officers and injuries to nine others. During the subsequent hours-long gun battle, six IS militants were killed. Following this incident, another 357 suspects with ties to IS were arrested across 21 provinces.

Heightened Security Measures for New Year Celebrations

In light of the recent threats, the Istanbul governor’s office has increased security measures in Türkiye’s largest city. More than 50,000 police and security officials will be on duty to ensure a safe start to 2026. Authorities have implemented extensive security protocols at airports, shopping malls, public transport systems, and entertainment venues where New Year celebrations will take place.

As the festivities approach, both Germany and Australia have issued travel warnings for their nationals, urging caution due to the heightened risk of terrorist attacks. Germany’s foreign ministry emphasized the symbolic significance of the New Year period, advising citizens to exercise particular caution during the transition from 2025 to 2026. The Australian government echoed this sentiment, advising citizens to remain vigilant in crowded public settings during large gatherings.

Background and Recent Developments

Türkiye’s intensified anti-IS operations follow the capture of a senior IS figure, Mehmet Goren, by the country’s intelligence agency on December 22. He was apprehended along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border and was reportedly tasked with organizing suicide attacks in Türkiye, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Europe.

The Islamic State has been responsible for several significant attacks in Europe over the past decade, including a tragic incident in Istanbul on January 1, 2017, where a gunman opened fire in a nightclub, killing 39 people, primarily foreigners. The perpetrator, an Uzbek national, was later apprehended and sentenced to 40 life sentences.

In his remarks, Minister Yerlikaya issued a stern warning to potential attackers, affirming that those who seek to harm Türkiye will “face the might of our state and the unity of our nation.” As the country prepares for the New Year, the focus remains on maintaining security and preventing any threats to public safety.