Post by : Meena Ariff

Turkish authorities have stepped up their efforts to dismantle ISIS networks across the country with a series of large-scale raids targeting suspected militants. Early Monday morning, law enforcement agencies launched coordinated operations at over 100 locations in 15 provinces, including a prolonged and intense raid in the town of Yalova, located near Istanbul on the Sea of Marmara coast.

The Yalova operation, which lasted nearly eight hours, involved heavy police presence and sporadic exchanges of gunfire. During the raid, eight police officers and one member of the security forces sustained injuries, highlighting the dangerous nature of the crackdown. Despite the tense standoff, law enforcement successfully rescued five women and six children who were found inside the targeted property. Officials confirmed that the militants who were killed in the operation were Turkish nationals.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated that the sweeping raids form part of Turkey's ongoing commitment to prevent any terror attacks, particularly with the holiday season approaching. The government has expressed concerns over ISIS planning potential assaults during Christmas and New Year celebrations, which prompted last week’s detention of more than 100 suspected militants believed to be preparing such attacks.

Turkey has long been a critical front in the global fight against ISIS. Between 2015 and 2017, the country experienced a wave of devastating attacks attributed to the extremist group, including deadly assaults on Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport and a popular nightclub, resulting in dozens of casualties. Since that violent period, Turkish security forces have maintained continuous operations to curb the group’s presence and thwart planned attacks.

The recent raids underscore Turkey’s proactive stance as ISIS begins to regain influence in some regions globally. The rise in ISIS activity has led to international responses, including recent U.S. military airstrikes on ISIS targets in Syria and northwest Nigeria. These coordinated efforts aim to disrupt the extremist group’s operational capabilities worldwide.

Authorities in Turkey remain vigilant as the security landscape evolves, with intelligence agencies closely monitoring suspected networks to protect civilians and uphold national security. The government’s intensified measures reflect a determination to eliminate extremist threats before they can materialize into attacks on Turkish soil.

#Global News