Turkey: 36 suspected IS members arrested November 12

Event

On Sunday, November 12, a series of counter-terrorism raids were launched in Istanbul’s Bayrampasa, Zeytinburnu, Basaksehir, Esenyurt, Tuzla, and Umraniye districts. According to state-owned media, 32 foreigners with suspected IS affiliations were arrested, allegedly plotting to carry out an attack.

In a separate operation, four other individuals with suspected links to a prominent IS fighter were apprehended in the central provinces of Kirsehir and Eskisehir.

Context

The general security situation in Turkey remains precarious due to the heightened risk of terrorism. The country has been a target of multiple attacks perpetrated by both the Islamic State and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which has prompted Turkish police to multiply its counter-terrorism raids. According to the Ministry of the Interior, around 450 people with suspected IS ties were arrested in October alone. Moreover, a national state of emergency has been in place since July 2016 following a failed coup d'état launched by members of the armed forces.

Advice

Individuals in Turkey are advised to remain vigilant and to adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.