Turkey IS counter-terrorism operation 2025: 110 suspects detained after deadly gunfight

110 suspects are in custody and 9 people have lost their lives. A massive security sweep by Turkish forces has escalated into a deadly confrontation, signaling a sharp rise in counter-terrorism efforts against the Islamic State.

According to Reuters, the Istanbul chief prosecutor's office announced on December 30, 2025, that police detained 110 individuals suspected of ties to Islamic State (IS). This nationwide operation follows a fierce gunfight in Yalova that occurred only a day prior.

Turkey IS Counter-Terrorism Operation 2025: Bloodshed in Yalova

The situation turned violent on December 29 when police launched an eight-hour siege on a house in Yalova, a coastal town south of Istanbul. Authorities report that three Turkish police officers and six IS militants were killed during the exchange of fire. Additionally, eight officers and one other security member were wounded in the raid.

Tuesday's follow-up raids targeted 114 addresses, resulting in the seizure of digital materials and documents. These arrests come just a week after over 100 suspects were detained for allegedly planning attacks during the Christmas and New Year period.

A Global Resurgence of Threat

The IS group is increasingly returning to global prominence. Within the last month, the U.S. military has conducted strikes against targets in Syria and Nigeria. Simultaneously, Australian police linked a recent Hanukkah event attack in Sydney to IS inspiration. For Turkey, which served as a major transit point for fighters a decade ago, these developments necessitate heightened vigilance.