Turkey Arrests 115 IS Terrorists Who Planned Attacks on Christmas, New Year's 

Turkish authorities say they have disrupted a series of planned attacks targeting Christmas and New Year celebrations after arresting more than 100 suspected members of the so-called Islamic State group in nationwide security operations.

According to the Istanbul chief prosecutor’s office, coordinated raids were carried out at 124 locations across Istanbul, resulting in the detention of 115 suspects. Police seized firearms, ammunition, and what officials described as “organizational documents” linked to IS activity. Authorities said efforts are ongoing to locate an additional 22 suspects believed to be connected to the same network.

Prosecutors said the detainees were actively planning attacks inside Turkey during the holiday period, with a particular focus on events attended by non-Muslims. Investigators believe the suspects were in direct contact with IS operatives outside the country, raising concerns about cross-border coordination and logistical support.

The announcement came just days after Turkish intelligence services carried out a separate operation near the Afghanistan–Pakistan border, where a Turkish national alleged to have held a senior role within an IS-affiliated network was arrested. Officials said the suspect was involved in planning attacks against civilian targets and had operational ties to IS elements in the region.

Turkey has been a frequent target of IS-linked plots over the past decade, and its security services regularly conduct large-scale counterterrorism operations. The country’s long border with Syria has made it a transit route for fighters and resources, particularly during the height of IS territorial control earlier in the conflict.

Although IS no longer controls large areas of territory, Turkish officials say the group remains capable of carrying out high-impact attacks. Cells operating inside Turkey are often described as decentralized, relying on small groups or lone operatives inspired or directed remotely. Many attacks worldwide, including the Bondi Beach Pogrom last week, are also carried out by IS-inspired terrorists with no formal ties.

Regional dynamics have also intensified counterterrorism efforts. Syria’s president Ahmed al-Sharaa, who maintains close ties with Ankara, has publicly pledged cooperation with Western governments to eliminate remaining IS elements.

The arrests also follow recent US military action against IS targets in Syria. Earlier this month, IS gunmen killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter during an ambush, prompting United States forces to launch airstrikes against the group’s positions.

Turkish authorities said heightened security measures will remain in place through the New Year, particularly around public gatherings, places of worship, and tourist areas, as investigations into the disrupted plots continue.