More than 350 suspected Islamic State group (IS) members have been detained as part of nationwide police operations in Turkey.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated that 357 suspects were apprehended across 21 provinces in coordinated raids on Tuesday morning.
This crackdown follows a deadly incident where three police officers and six alleged militants were killed during an eight-hour siege in the northwestern town of Yalova. Eight police officers and a security force member also sustained injuries during the confrontation.
Just days prior, authorities arrested another 115 suspects linked to a plot aimed at attacking non-Muslims during the Christmas and New Year period.
In a social media post, Yerlikaya confirmed that Tuesday's operations targeted key cities including Ankara, Istanbul, and Yalova, emphasizing Turkey's commitment to combating terrorism.
Just as we have never given an opportunity to those who try to bring this country to its knees with terrorism, we will never give them an opportunity in the future either, he stated.
Yerlikaya also shared a video depicting numerous counter-terrorism officers participating in the operations.
Raids conducted in Istanbul and two other provinces found additional evidence including weapons and documents after intelligence suggested potential attacks on New Year's Day.
The salience of these operations highlights Turkey's ongoing battle against IS, especially given its lengthy border with Syria, where the group maintains a presence.
Along with addressing domestic threats, Turkey's security services are cooperating with international partners in efforts to dismantle remaining IS cells.
