Image Credentials: Image Title: Turkey Foils Major ISIS Holiday Plot: 115 Suspects Detained in Massive Istanbul Raids Source: (sora.openai) Date: December 2025. Attribution: This image was created using AI-generated imagery (sora.openai) and does not depict a real-world scene.
By Open Chronicle Staff with Agencies | December 26, 2025
ISTANBUL, Turkey — In one of the largest counter-terrorism operations of the year, Turkish security forces have detained 115 individuals suspected of links to the Islamic State (ISIS). The coordinated raids across Istanbul followed specific intelligence warnings of planned attacks targeting Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Coordinated Holiday Security Sweep
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office announced on Thursday that the operation was launched to preempt a series of extremist actions. Intelligence reports suggested that ISIS leadership had issued directives for “lone wolf” or coordinated strikes during the high-traffic holiday period.
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Targeted Raids: Elite police units executed simultaneous raids at dozens of locations throughout Istanbul.
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Focus of Attacks: According to officials, the plots specifically targeted holiday gatherings and sites frequented by non-Muslims, aiming to maximize fear and casualties during the festive season.
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Evidence Seized: During the operation, authorities seized an undisclosed number of weapons, digital materials, and organizational documents detailing potential strike zones and logistics.
The Intelligence Trigger
The surge in security activity comes after a noticeable increase in extremist rhetoric on social media and encrypted messaging platforms. Intelligence monitored by Turkish agencies indicated that the extremist group had called for intensified “action” globally during the end-of-year holidays.
The scale of the 115-person detention reflects the Turkish government’s “zero-tolerance” policy toward ISIS cells within its borders, particularly in major urban centers like Istanbul, which has been targeted by the group in previous years.
A Pattern of Vigilance
Turkey has long been a key battleground in the fight against ISIS, given its strategic location as a bridge between Europe and the Middle East. The country has suffered several devastating attacks attributed to the group, including the 2017 Reina nightclub shooting on New Year’s Day, which claimed 39 lives.
| Operation Detail | Summary |
| Suspects Detained | 115 |
| Primary Location | Istanbul |
| Alleged Targets | Christmas/New Year Celebrations, Non-Muslim Sites |
| Agency Involved | Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office & Anti-Terror Police |
National Security Status
Following the raids, security presence has been visibly increased at popular tourist hubs, shopping districts, and places of worship across Turkey. Ministry of Interior officials have urged the public to remain vigilant, emphasizing that current operations have significantly reduced the immediate threat to the holiday period.
The 115 suspects are currently being interrogated as prosecutors work to identify broader networks and potential financiers linked to the holiday plot.