Mass Detention of Suspected IS Members in Turkey: Over 350 Arrested in Coordinated Raids

Wed Feb 18 2026 02:13:34 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a major crackdown, Turkish authorities have detained 357 individuals suspected of links to the Islamic State (IS) during coordinated operations across 21 provinces. This follows a recent surge in violence and threats related to planned attacks during holiday celebrations.

Turkey's Interior Minister announced that more than 350 suspected members of the Islamic State group have been detained nationwide in police operations. The raids took place across 21 provinces, notably including Ankara and Istanbul, fueled by fears of imminent attacks targeting non-Muslims during the upcoming holiday season. This aggressive action comes in the wake of violent incidents in Yalova, where police fatalities occurred. The crackdown underlines Turkey's ongoing commitment to combating terrorism as it faces threats from IS operatives in the region.

More than 350 suspected Islamic State group (IS) members have been detained as part of nationwide police operations in Turkey.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that 357 suspects were apprehended across 21 provinces during coordinated raids on Tuesday morning.

This action follows a violent incident where three police officers and six alleged militants died during an eight-hour siege in Yalova. Additionally, eight police officers and a security personnel were injured during the clash.

Just a week prior, Turkish authorities arrested another 115 suspects who were reportedly planning attacks targeting non-Muslims over the Christmas and New Year's celebrations.

In a post on social media, Yerlikaya indicated that operations were extensive, involving major cities like Ankara, Istanbul, and Yalova. He emphasized, We have never given opportunities to those who threaten our country with terrorism, and we will not do so in the future.

The interior minister released a video showing counter-terrorism officers conducting the operations and detaining several individuals.

Raids in Istanbul and surrounding provinces involved seizing documents and digital materials, alongside a discovery of weapons. Intelligence agencies had suggested that the suspects might target civilians with attacks planned for New Year's Day.

Moreover, 41 individuals detained were believed to have ties to the deadly Yalova siege, while 16 others were arrested for provocative social media posts.

As the funerals for the three deceased officers took place, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed condolences and reaffirmed the commitment to combatting threats posed by violent extremists.

Turkey, with a lengthy border shared with Syria, remains vigilant against IS's persistent operations in the region. Recent U.S. airstrikes against IS positions in Syria further highlight the international effort to eliminate the group, especially following a deadly ambush that claimed three lives of U.S. personnel earlier this month.

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