ISTANBUL – Turkish authorities have arrested 115 suspected Islamic State (ISIS) members accused of plotting terror attacks during Christmas and New Year celebrations. The arrests followed coordinated raids across 124 locations in Istanbul on Thursday, preventing potential violence during the festive season. Police acted on intelligence indicating planned attacks, primarily targeting non-Muslim individuals and holiday gatherings. ^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]}### Coordinated Holiday Crackdown The extensive operation saw Istanbul police counter-terrorism departments launch simultaneous raids. Authorities had issued arrest warrants for 137 suspects, successfully detaining 115 of them. D^{[1][3][4][5][7][8][9][10][11]}uring these searches, officers seized numerous firearms, including pistols, large quantities of ammunition, and various organizational documents and propaganda material linked to ISIS. ^{[1][3][4][5][7][8][9][10][11]}Investigators found that the suspects had established connections with ISIS members operating in conflict zones abroad. S^{[1][5][8][14][11]}ome of the individuals apprehended were already wanted on national and international terrorism charges, highlighting the transnational nature of the extremist group's activities. T^[3][5]he Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office confirmed that police received information about ISIS's intent to carry out actions specifically against non-Muslims in Turkey during the upcoming holiday events. ^{[3][4][5][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]}### Persistent Threat from ISIS Turkey has consistently been a target for ISIS-related attacks over the past decade. The country's geographical location, sharing a long border with Syria and Iraq, makes it vulnerable as both a transit route and a direct target for various terrorist organizations. N^{[15][16][9][12]}otable past incidents include the deadly New Year's Eve nightclub attack in Istanbul in January 2017, which killed 39 people. M^{[1][2][3][17][11][12]}ore recently, in January 2024, two gunmen attacked a Roman Catholic church in Istanbul during Sunday Mass, killing one person, an attack later claimed by ISIS. ^{[3][6][9][12][18][19]}ISIS has demonstrated a resilient and adaptive threat, often exploiting regional instability. T^[20]he group's Khorasan branch, ISIS-K, has been particularly active, often utilizing Central Asian militants in its plots. T^[18][19]urkish authorities remain vigilant against these evolving threats, especially during periods of increased public activity and gatherings. ^{[1][2][6][11]}### Broad Counter-Terrorism Operations These arrests are part of Turkey's ongoing and extensive campaign against terrorism. Turkey is an active participant in international counter-terrorism forums, including the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. T^[15][16]he nation has intensified its anti-terror operations, regularly conducting nationwide raids to dismantle extremist networks. ^{[1][6][10][21][19]}Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya has frequently reported on the scale of these efforts, with thousands of suspects detained and hundreds arrested in broader crackdowns over the past year. F^[15][21][19]or example, in late 2023, Turkish officials announced multiple counterterrorism operations linked to heightened holiday-season security, resulting in dozens of additional detentions. E^[6]arlier this month, Turkey's intelligence agency also captured Mehmet Goren, a senior Turkish ISIS figure, near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. G^[3][9][12]oren was accused of organizing suicide attacks targeting civilians across Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Europe. T^[3][9][12]urkey also works to counter the financing of terrorism and violent extremism, emphasizing its comprehensive approach to national security. ^[15]### Securing the Holiday Season The successful disruption of these holiday plots underscores the critical role of intelligence gathering and proactive security measures. Turkish authorities emphasize their commitment to safeguarding both citizens and visitors, particularly during sensitive times like Christmas and New Year's celebrations, which traditionally involve public events and increased travel. I^[1]nternational collaboration and intelligence sharing continue to be crucial in disrupting ISIS networks and preventing attacks before they can occur. T^[1]he government affirms its dedication to protecting the nation's security and preventing any terrorist activities. ^[1]These operations demonstrate Turkey's unwavering determination to combat terrorism in all its forms and ensure the safety and security of its populace.

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