Police capture 2 Daesh terrorists planning bomb attack in Istanbul

Two suspects, allegedly preparing a bomb attack, were arrested in Istanbul during a counterterrorism operation targeting Daesh, local authorities reported on Tuesday.

Police operation targets Daesh’s terrorist cell

The Istanbul Police Department’s Anti-Terror and Intelligence Units conducted a coordinated operation against Daesh activities, leading to the detention of two individuals believed to be involved in planning an attack.

The operation followed an investigation into the suspects’ online activity, where one of the suspects, identified as D.K., was found searching for information on bomb-making techniques.

Suspects identified, arrested in Gaziosmanpasa

Authorities identified D.K. as working with another individual, E.S. Both suspects were believed to be preparing for a bomb attack.

After conducting technical and physical surveillance, police located the suspects in two separate apartments in the same building in the Gaziosmanpasa district of Istanbul.

The operation was carried out smoothly, with no resistance encountered.

Explosives, Daesh-related materials seized

During a search of the suspects’ apartments, police discovered a variety of dangerous materials, including high-sensitivity explosives (TATP), chemicals used in bomb-making, laboratory equipment, camouflage gear and Daesh-related propaganda.

Additionally, police seized laboratory clothing, masks and several banned publications, as well as digital material linked to Daesh activities.

Previous Daesh history, release from custody

The suspects had previously been arrested in 2021 on charges of being members of a Daesh terrorist organization. After serving a sentence, they were released in 2023.

The investigation into the suspects’ connections to the Daesh terrorist organizations and their plans for a bomb attack is ongoing. Authorities have not disclosed further details regarding potential targets or the scale of the planned attack.