In Turkey's capital, Ankara, and its largest city, Istanbul, the security forces detained 27 and 22 suspects respectively. These detentions are part of sustained efforts by the Turkish government to counter jihadist activities. Turkey has been the site of several deadly attacks attributed to IS jihadists, including the notorious New Year's attack on an Istanbul nightclub in 2017, which resulted in the loss of 39 lives.

Prevention of Further Attacks

Recent operations have not just targeted those with suspected links to past events. On Friday, security personnel foiled plans by various individuals aiming to launch attacks on places of worship such as churches and synagogues, as well as diplomatic missions like the Iraqi embassy. These preemptive arrests underscore Turkey's commitment to combating terrorism within its borders and safeguarding its residents and international diplomatic sites.

The operation and subsequent detentions underscore the ongoing threat posed by Islamic State sympathizers in Turkey. By acting ahead of New Year celebrations, the authorities aim to prevent a repetition of the tragedies from previous years and send a clear message of their vigilance against terrorism.