Turkey Arrests 115 ISIS Suspects, Foiling Planned New Year's Attacks

While many parts of the world celebrate the holidays, Turkey has thwarted major terror plots targeting the festive season. Authorities announced they've arrested more than 100 suspected members of the so-called Islamic State (IS) group who were allegedly planning attacks on Christmas and New Year's events, a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by the group amid a shifting regional landscape.

Sweeping Raids Across Istanbul

According to Istanbul's chief prosecutor, mass raids were carried out at 124 different addresses across the city, resulting in the detention of 115 suspects. Authorities seized firearms, ammunition, and what they described as "organisational documents." Officials stated that IS supporters had been actively planning attacks, particularly against non-Muslims. Efforts are reportedly ongoing to trace a further 22 individuals.

The prosecutor's office said the suspects were in contact with IS operatives outside Turkey. The announcement came just two days after Turkish intelligence agents detained a senior Turkish national from an IS wing during a raid on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

Counter-Terrorism in a Changing Syria

Turkey, which shares a 900km (560 mile) border with Syria, regularly targets suspected IS links. The regional dynamics have been reshaped by the rise of Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has close ties to the Turkish government. Al-Sharaa has vowed to work with the US and Europe to root out surviving elements of IS.

The context includes recent US military action. On Friday, the US launched a wave of air strikes against IS positions in Syria. This was in response to the killing of three Americans—two soldiers and a civilian interpreter—by IS gunmen earlier this month.