Turkish authorities have arrested 115 suspected members of the militant Islamic State (IS) group allegedly planning attacks during Christmas and New Year celebrations. The Prosecutor General’s office confirmed on Thursday that warrants were issued for 137 individuals following intelligence that the group intended to target non-Muslims and holiday gatherings.
The coordinated operation involving intelligence, police, and military forces resulted in the seizure of firearms, ammunition, and organizational documents. Officials stated that those detained were in contact with IS operatives abroad, highlighting the transnational nature of the threat. Efforts to locate the remaining 22 suspects are ongoing.
Turkiye arrests 115 suspected ISIL (ISIS) operatives it says planned attacks on Christmas and New Year celebrations, say officials https://t.co/Ky7duBZXCW pic.twitter.com/WUNKrLshVY
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) December 25, 2025
Developments in Syria and Regional Security
In a parallel development, Syrian authorities reported the killing of a senior IS leader, Mohammad Shahada (known as Abu Omar Shaddad), during a “precise security operation” conducted in coordination with the US-led international coalition. This follows the recent capture of another high-ranking operative, Taha al-Zoubi, near Damascus.
Leadership Capture on the Afghan-Pakistan Border
The Turkish National Intelligence Organisation (MIT) also confirmed the capture of Mehmet Goren, a Turkish national and senior figure within the Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K). Goren, who operated along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, was reportedly responsible for organizing suicide attacks targeting civilians across Europe, Turkiye, and South Asia.
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Goren is alleged to have risen through the ranks in regional militant camps and worked closely with previously detained facilitators to move fighters across borders. These operations underscore a heightened regional commitment to dismantling the infrastructure of IS and its affiliates.
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