Turkish police have detained 357 suspects in a nationwide operation against the Islamic State a day after three police officers and six militants were killed in a shootout in the country's northwest, UNN reports with reference to Reuters.
Details
According to the publication, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated that the authorities conducted raids in 21 provinces across the country.
Just as we never gave 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.
Earlier, the Istanbul prosecutor's office stated that the police conducted searches at 114 addresses in Istanbul and two other provinces, and various digital materials and documents were seized.
On Monday, police clashed with militants during an eight-hour siege of a house in the city of Yalova, on the coast of the Sea of Marmara south of Istanbul, a week after more than 100 suspected ISIS members were detained in connection with alleged plans to carry out terrorist attacks on Christmas and New Year. Eight police officers and another security force employee were injured during the raid on this facility, which was one of more than 100 addresses targeted by the authorities on Monday.
Turkey has intensified operations against suspected ISIS militants this year as the group returns to global prominence.
Recall
Seven Turkish police officers were injured during an operation against ISIS in Yalova when their unit came under fire. Authorities suspended classes in five schools and imposed a broadcasting ban on the incident.