Istanbul sees arrest of 19 individuals linked to Daesh operation, one individual still at large
In recent years, Turkey has been a target of numerous Daesh attacks, with the terrorist organization carrying out deadly assaults in various parts of the country.
On September 16, 2025, Turkish security forces conducted simultaneous raids across 12 Istanbul districts, targeting the Daesh terrorist organization. As a result, 19 suspects were captured, and search efforts continue for one fugitive suspect. Authorities assessed 10 of these suspects as "foreign terrorist fighters" who pose a threat to Turkey.
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office identified 20 suspects with connections to conflict zones as part of an ongoing investigation into Daesh activities. Nine of these suspects, along with nine other individuals, were found to have connections with pro-Daesh individuals, shared Daesh-related content on social media, and used applications for the organization's current propaganda activities and organizational communications.
Daesh has been responsible for several high-profile attacks in Turkey. On Jan. 12, 2016, a suicide bomber killed 12 German tourists in the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul. Another suicide bombing in Suruc, Sanliurfa province, on July 20, 2015, resulted in the deaths of 34 and 70 serious injuries. The deadliest attack occurred on Oct. 10, 2015, when Daesh suicide bombers struck Ankara's central train station, killing over 100 people and seriously injuring 391.
In addition to these attacks in Istanbul and Ankara, Daesh also targeted the southeastern provinces of Gaziantep and Sanliurfa. An attack on a wedding ceremony in Gaziantep on Aug. 20, 2016, killed 57 and seriously wounded 163. A suicide bombing in Suruc on July 20, 2015, was another deadly attack in the region.
The terrorist organization has also targeted foreign nationals in Turkey. Three Israelis and an Iranian were killed in a Daesh attack in the Taksim district of Istanbul on March 19, 2016, with 45 injuries. Another attack on a nightclub in Istanbul on Jan. 1, 2017, killed one police officer and 39 civilians, and seriously injured 79.
The attacks have not been limited to suicide bombings. On June 28, 2016, Daesh attacked Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, resulting in 45 deaths and 163 serious injuries.
The investigation and fight against Daesh in Turkey have not been without success. On March 19, 2016, nine Daesh suspects including an Interpol red notice fugitive were captured in Istanbul. The kidnapping of Consul Ozturk Yilmaz and 49 staff members from Turkey's Consulate in Mosul, Iraq, on June 11, 2014, was later resolved in a Turkish operation, with all hostages being rescued.
The ongoing efforts to combat Daesh activities in Turkey are crucial in maintaining the safety and security of the country and its people. The recent raids and investigations serve as a testament to the Turkish authorities' commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring the protection of its citizens and visitors.
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