Turkey arrests 110 suspects in nationwide anti-IS raids

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Istanbul: According to security sources and local media, Turkish officials arrested 110 individuals as part of a coordinated statewide operation aimed at suspected Islamic State (IS) terrorists and supporters.

The operations were carried out concurrently in many places, with Istanbul operating as a vital hub. Early in the morning, counter-terrorism forces searched dozens of homes, arrested people accused of interacting with IS networks, spreading propaganda, and engaging in recruitment activities.

According to authorities, several of those arrested were allegedly involved in financing IS operations, organising informal religious study groups aligned with extremist ideology, and facilitating communication between members of the group operating inside and outside Turkey.

During the raids, police seized digital files, documents, and weapons, including rifles and ammunition, which are currently being evaluated as part of the investigation.

The suspects were transferred to police headquarters for interrogation, and prosecutors have opened files on potential crimes such as terrorist group membership and terrorist financing. Officials have not yet disclosed information on the court proceedings.

The operation comes amid a greater increase in Turkey's anti-IS security action. In the past few weeks, Turkish forces have conducted statewide sweeps targeting suspected IS cells, including large-scale detentions in dozens of regions, as authorities seek to eliminate remaining networks within the country.

IS has carried out numerous violent assaults in Turkey in the past, and officials continue to view the group as a serious security concern, particularly in large cities like Istanbul and Ankara.