Turkish authorities have arrested 115 Islamic State suspects in a series of raids across Istanbul, according to the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. The suspects were allegedly planning attacks on non-Muslims during Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations in Türkiye.

The arrests were made after 137 warrants were issued, resulting in the seizure of pistols, ammunition, and organizational documents during over 100 raids. A counter-terrorism operation is currently underway to apprehend the remaining suspects.

This development comes after Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization recently captured a senior Islamic State member in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region. Earlier in December, Turkish authorities arrested 233 individuals suspected of financing or having ties to the Islamic State.

Türkiye officially designated the Islamic State as a terrorist organization in 2013. Since then, Turkish forces have conducted more than 1,400 operations against the group, according to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The latest arrests demonstrate the country’s continued efforts to combat terrorism and ensure public safety during holiday periods.

The Islamic State has been known to target non-Muslims and public gatherings, making the holiday season a vulnerable time for potential attacks. The swift action by Turkish authorities highlights the importance of intelligence gathering and counter-terrorism efforts in preventing such attacks.

As the investigation continues, Turkish authorities will likely remain vigilant in their efforts to prevent future attacks and bring those involved to justice. The international community will be watching the developments closely, given the global threat posed by the Islamic State.

In recent years, Türkiye has been actively involved in combating terrorism, both domestically and internationally. The country’s experiences and strategies in counter-terrorism may serve as a valuable example for other nations facing similar threats.

The latest arrests serve as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by terrorist organizations and the need for continued cooperation and vigilance among nations to prevent attacks and ensure public safety.