Istanbul operation against ISIS: Authorities announce detention of 39 suspects

In a simultaneous operation coordinated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office against ISIS, 39 suspects were apprehended. Unlicensed weapons, ammunition, and digital materials were seized during the operation, while efforts continue to capture 3 individuals.

Scraper SystemJune 30, 2026, 09:46 AM

Istanbul operation against ISIS: Authorities announce detention of 39 suspects

A simultaneous operation against the ISIS terrorist organization was conducted by teams from the Istanbul Police Department's Anti-Terrorism Branch and Intelligence Branch, coordinated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office's Terrorism Crimes Investigation Bureau.

Investigations revealed that Orhan Küçük, codenamed 'Taxi Driver Muhammed', allegedly led pro-ISIS individuals, organized religious talks in illegal associations and prayer rooms used by organization members, and collected money under the guise of fitr, zakat, and alms.

Within the scope of the investigation, it was determined that the suspects made radical statements, propagated that the state is not governed according to Islamic rulings and that administrators are in polytheism, and also conducted invitation and proselytization activities to gain a base for illegal prayer rooms.

In this context, simultaneous operations were carried out at a total of 43 addresses, including 2 illegal prayer rooms, across 4 different districts of Istanbul. During the operation, 39 out of 42 suspects for whom arrest warrants were issued were captured and taken into custody. Searches at the addresses yielded 1 unlicensed pistol, 50 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 2 knives, 1 drone, and a large number of digital materials.

Efforts are ongoing to capture 3 suspects.