Turkia(The COW News Digital)Turkish security forces have foiled a major terrorist plot ahead of New Year celebrations by carrying out simultaneous counterterrorism operations across the country, resulting in the arrest of hundreds of suspected militants linked to the Islamic State (ISIS), authorities said on December 31, 2025.
According to Turkey’s Interior Ministry, coordinated raids were conducted in 21 provinces as part of a nationwide crackdown aimed at preventing planned attacks during the holiday period. In total, 357 suspects were taken into custody during the operations, which involved provincial police departments, counterterrorism units and intelligence agencies.
Officials said the arrests were the outcome of extensive intelligence-led investigations and surveillance, indicating that several of the suspects were actively preparing attacks to coincide with New Year events in major cities.
In Istanbul, the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that 110 suspected ISIS members had been detained. Authorities believe these individuals were involved in planning terrorist activities specifically targeting crowded areas during New Year celebrations in the city.
Meanwhile, the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office issued arrest warrants for 17 ISIS-linked suspects, including 11 foreign nationals. Security forces launched operations to apprehend those named in the warrants, underscoring concerns about cross-border militant networks operating inside Turkey.
Turkish security officials noted that similar raids conducted in Istanbul just days earlier had led to the arrest of more than 100 suspected ISIS operatives. The back-to-back operations highlight heightened security measures as the country remains on high alert against potential terror threats.
During the raids, law enforcement agencies also seized a significant quantity of weapons and other materials believed to be intended for use in planned attacks. Authorities did not disclose specific details about the recovered items, citing ongoing investigations.
The Interior Ministry reiterated Turkey’s zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism, emphasizing that no group would be allowed to establish a presence or conduct activities within the country. “Our security forces will continue their relentless fight against all terrorist organizations to ensure the safety of our citizens,” the ministry said in a statement.
Security experts say the scale and timing of the operations demonstrate Turkey’s proactive approach to counterterrorism, particularly during periods of heightened risk. Large public gatherings, such as New Year celebrations, have historically been targeted by extremist groups, prompting increased vigilance by authorities.
Turkish officials credited effective coordination among security and intelligence agencies for preventing what could have been a major attack, stating that the operations had safeguarded public safety and stability during a critical time.
Investigations into the arrested suspects are ongoing, and further detentions have not been ruled out as authorities continue to dismantle terrorist networks operating within the country.
