In brief
In a significant security operation, Turkish police have arrested 115 suspects believed to be affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) who were allegedly planning attacks during the New Year's festivities. The raids, which took place across 124 locations in Istanbul, resulted in the seizure of firearms and evidence of IS-related activities. Turkish intelligence claims some suspects were coordinating with IS operatives outside the country. The proactive measures come as the country continues to face ongoing threats from extremist groups, particularly in light of its border proximity to conflict zones in Syria.
Turkish authorities say they have disrupted planned attacks on Christmas and New Year's events after detaining more than 100 suspected members of the so-called Islamic State group.
Mass raids were carried out at 124 addresses across Istanbul, the city's chief prosecutor said, with firearms, ammunition, and 'organisational documents' seized.
Officials said IS supporters had been actively planning attacks across Turkey this week, particularly against non-Muslims.
Police detained 115 suspects but efforts are ongoing to trace a further 22, an official statement read.
The prosecutor's office said the suspects were in contact with IS operatives outside Turkey.
The announcement comes two days after Turkish intelligence agents carried out a raid against the group on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.
A Turkish national who is alleged to have held a senior role with the IS wing operating in the region was detained and accused of planning attacks against civilians.
Turkey's security services regularly target people with suspected links to IS.
The country shares a 900km (560 mile) border with Syria, where the group continues to operate in parts of the country.
Syria's president Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has close ties to the Turkish government, has vowed to work with the US and Europe to root out surviving elements of IS.
The US launched a wave of air strikes against the group's positions across Syria on Friday in response to the killing of three Americans.
Two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed by IS gunmen during an ambush earlier this month.
