Turkey intensified its counter-terrorism efforts on Tuesday by launching large-scale raids in Istanbul and Ankara. These operations, which led to the arrest of more than 110 suspects , come amid heightened tensions marked by recent violence and threats to the holiday season.

A heavy toll in Yalova

This acceleration follows a bloody assault carried out on Monday in Yalova province (northwest). During the attack on an Islamic State (ISIS) hideout, the exchange of fire resulted in the deaths of:

1. 3 Turkish police officers .
2. 6 suspected members of ISIS.

Nine other members of the security forces were injured. At the official funeral held on Tuesday, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reaffirmed the government's total determination: "We will continue the fight against terrorism relentlessly," he declared.

New Year's Threats

The authorities justify this offensive by citing intelligence indicating planned attacks specifically targeting Christmas and New Year's celebrations.

The Istanbul prosecutor's office provided details of Tuesday's operation:

1. 114 simultaneous searches .
2. Multiple targets: individuals linked to the Yalova cell, planners of imminent attacks and agents in charge of financing (fundraising via fake charities for Syria).

The trauma of 2017

Vigilance is at its highest in Turkey, the country remaining marked by the memory of the attack of January 1, 2017. That night, an ISIS assailant opened fire in an Istanbul nightclub, killing 39 people during New Year's Eve celebrations.

Note: Police continue to use documents seized during searches to dismantle remaining financing networks.