Three police officers killed in anti-ISIS operation in northwest Türkiye
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Güneşli
13 oC
Güneşli
At least nine people, including three police officers and six suspected ISIS members, were killed early Monday during a gunfight that erupted amid an anti-terrorism operation in Yalova, a small city neighboring İstanbul, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said.
The operation was carried out by the Yalova Security Directorate’s Anti-Terrorism Branch, which launched a midnight raid on a house located along the Elmalık village road. Media reports said the clash broke out at around 2:00 a.m. local time (GMT+3) when the suspects opened fire on police units attempting to enter the premises.
In an initial statement, the Yalova Governor’s Office confirmed that seven police officers were also injured during the operation, noting that their injuries were non-life-threatening and that they were receiving medical treatment.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said the raid was part of a broader nationwide counterterrorism crackdown launched after intelligence indicated that ISIS was planning coordinated attacks in multiple provinces ahead of the New Year. Speaking at a press conference around 11:50 a.m., Yerlikaya said the operation in Yalova was one of several actions taken to preempt imminent threats.
Special operations teams from the neighboring province of Bursa were deployed to reinforce local units as the gunfight continued for more than seven hours. Authorities later confirmed that the area had been secured and that no further suspects were believed to be at large.
Security forces reportedly seized weapons, ammunition, and digital materials from the scene, which are now being examined as part of an ongoing investigation into the suspected ISIS cell and its possible links to other networks across the country. Forensic teams were also dispatched to the site following the end of the operation.
Officials said investigations are continuing under the supervision of prosecutors, while heightened security measures remain in place in Yalova and surrounding provinces as part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
The incident underscores Türkiye’s continued focus on preventing ISIS attacks and dismantling militant cells, particularly during periods of heightened risk linked to major public holidays and large gatherings. (ILKHA)
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