Image Credits: Daily Sabah
Turkish authorities have detained 99 individuals suspected of connections to the Daesh terrorist group in a series of coordinated nationwide operations, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced on Friday. The arrests, which took place over the past three days, were executed across various locations, including Ankara, Izmir, and several other regions throughout Turkey.
Minister Yerlikaya emphasized that the detentions were part of the GÜRZ-4 operations, underscoring the Turkish government’s firm stance against terrorism. “We will not tolerate any terrorist,” Yerlikaya stated, reinforcing the commitment to national security and counterterrorism efforts.
This operation follows a significant crackdown in March, during which 147 people were detained on suspicion of having links to Daesh. Since that time, Turkish authorities have arrested a total of 2,919 individuals suspected of involvement with the terrorist group. The recent arrests are particularly notable as Daesh was responsible for the deadly attack on Crocus City Hall in Moscow last March, which resulted in 145 fatalities. Reports indicate that some of the assailants had previously stayed in Turkey before carrying out the attack.
Daesh Khorasan Province (Daesh-K), which is mainly active in Afghanistan and its neighbouring regions, also maintains a network within Turkey. The group has adapted its recruitment and operational strategies in response to intensified counterterrorism measures by Turkish authorities. Turkish intelligence has previously thwarted Daesh’s attempts at recruitment, fundraising, and logistical support. In December, security forces detained 32 suspects who were allegedly planning attacks on churches, synagogues, and the Iraqi Embassy, highlighting ongoing vigilance against the group’s threats.
This latest operation underscores Turkey’s continued efforts to address and dismantle terrorist networks operating within its borders.