Two suspects arrested in connection with 2022 Istiklal Avenue bombing

Turkish authorities have arrested two suspects linked to the Nov. 13, 2022, bombing on Istanbul‘s Istiklal Avenue, which resulted in six deaths and 81 injuries.

They smuggled her into Türkiye for Istiklal Avenue attack

The suspects are accused of facilitating the entry of Syrian national Ahlam Albashir, a PYD/YPG terrorist, into Türkiye and providing logistical support, including shelter and essential supplies.

The arrests followed an investigation led by Istanbul’s Intelligence and Counter-Terrorism Branch of the Police Department, aimed at disrupting the operations of the PKK and its Syrian affiliate, PYD/YPG.

Authorities revealed that the suspects played a significant role in smuggling Albashir across the Syrian border into Istanbul and assisting in her movements before the attack.

The individuals were detained in a police operation and are currently being held for questioning by counter-terrorism officials.

Coordinated PKK/KCK operations lead to 11 arrests across 4 cities

While investigations into the Istiklal Avenue bombing continued, Turkish authorities conducted a simultaneous operation targeting PKK/KCK cells across Istanbul, Adana, Diyarbakir and Mersin.

The operation was prompted by the abduction and armed threat against an individual identified as F.K. in Istanbul’s Beyoglu district on Dec. 23. F.K. was reportedly held captive by members of the PKK/KCK youth wing, who have been involved in previous illegal activities on behalf of the terrorist group.

During the raids, authorities detained 11 suspects and confiscated prohibited publications, an airsoft gun, and various digital materials.

The detained individuals are currently undergoing interrogation as part of the ongoing investigation.