65 Daesh suspects detained in counterterrorism ops across 17 provinces

In a series of coordinated operations named “Gurz-9,” Turkish authorities detained 65 suspects linked to the terrorist organization Daesh. The operations were conducted across 17 provinces, including Ankara and Istanbul.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated the operations via his social media account. He noted that the raids were carried out under the coordination of the General Directorate of Security’s Intelligence Department and the counterterrorism department, with local police departments leading the efforts.

Minister Yerlikaya congratulated the police officers involved in the operations and reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to combating terrorism, saying that the fight will continue until the last terrorist is eliminated.

Türkiye intensifies counterterrorism efforts against Daesh

Daesh remains Türkiye’s second largest terrorist threat, posing significant security risks alongside other terrorist groups. Türkiye was among the first nations to designate Daesh as a terrorist organization in 2013.

In December of last year, Turkish security forces arrested 32 suspects with alleged ties to Daesh, who were reportedly planning attacks on churches, synagogues, and the Iraqi Embassy.

While Daesh has not previously targeted places of worship within Türkiye, the group has carried out several deadly attacks, including the 2017 nightclub attack in Istanbul that killed 39 people and the 2015 bombing in Ankara that left 109 dead.

Terrorists from Daesh, along with other groups such as the PKK and its Syrian branch, the YPG, rely on a network of members and supporters within Türkiye.