Turkish police have arrested 88 suspected members of the Daesh terrorist group in a series of raids across 23 provinces, including major cities like Ankara and Istanbul. The nationwide operation, called “Gürz-15,” was carried out over five days and is part of Türkiye’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced the arrests on Friday (20 September), which follow earlier mass detentions of Daesh operatives this year.
Türkiye has faced several high-profile attacks claimed by Daesh, including the deadly 2017 nightclub shooting in Istanbul. Since the collapse of Daesh’s self-proclaimed caliphate in 2019, many members have settled in Türkiye, where they continue to organize and recruit, particularly through the Daesh-K network. Turkish intelligence has successfully thwarted their efforts to expand and secure resources for further operations.
Counterterrorism efforts in Türkiye have been robust, with more than 3,600 individuals arrested since June 2023 for suspected links to Daesh. Turkish authorities also work to disrupt the group’s financial networks, freezing millions of lira in assets linked to terrorism financing. The government has intensified efforts to cut off funding streams for various terrorist organizations, including Daesh, al-Qaida, and the PKK.
In addition to cracking down on Daesh, Turkish security forces have targeted other terrorist organizations. Recent operations have uncovered plots to attack religious sites and diplomatic missions. Türkiye remains a critical player in the global fight against terrorism, and its actions have helped to diminish Daesh’s capabilities within its borders significantly.
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