Turkish authorities announced on Friday the apprehension of an individual suspected to be linked with the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) for plotting attacks during New Year’s celebrations. Ibrahim Burtakucin was reportedly captured in Malatya, in a collaborative operation involving the police and the National Intelligence Agency.
Security sources revealed that Burtakucin had connections with numerous ISIS sympathizers within Turkey and internationally, and was actively seeking opportunities to engage in conflict regions. During the search of his residence, authorities confiscated digital devices and prohibited ISIS-related materials.
This arrest came after Istanbul’s prosecutor’s office disclosed that more than 100 suspected ISIS members were detained in simultaneous raids, where they were allegedly planning assaults during holiday festivities. Istanbul police had received intelligence indicating plans by ISIS members to target non-Muslims specifically.
In the operations conducted at 124 locations in the capital, 115 out of 137 sought suspects were apprehended, and authorities also seized multiple firearms and ammunition.