Turkish authorities detained 357 suspected members of the Islamic State group (IS) across 21 provinces in coordinated nationwide raids on Tuesday, according to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. The operations occurred a day after a siege in Yalova, a northwestern town, resulted in the deaths of three police officers and six alleged militants, with several other officers injured.

The raids, which took place in cities including Ankara, Istanbul, and Yalova, followed the arrest of 115 suspects less than a week prior, who were accused of planning attacks against non-Muslims during the Christmas and New Year's period. Yerlikaya conveyed the news via a post on X, stating, "Just as we have never given an opportunity to those who try to bring this country to its knees with terrorism, we will never give them an opportunity in the future either." He also shared a video purportedly showing some of the detentions.

These operations highlight Turkey's ongoing efforts to combat IS and prevent potential terrorist attacks within its borders. The recent arrests and raids demonstrate a proactive approach by Turkish law enforcement and security agencies. The timing of the operations, following the Yalova siege and the arrests related to planned attacks during the holiday season, suggests a heightened state of alert and a commitment to disrupting potential threats.

Turkey has faced significant challenges related to IS activity in the past, including attacks on Turkish soil and the presence of Turkish citizens among the group's ranks. The country has been actively involved in counter-terrorism efforts, both domestically and as part of international coalitions.

The detentions represent the latest development in Turkey's ongoing struggle against terrorism. Authorities are expected to investigate the suspects and determine the extent of their involvement with IS. The legal proceedings and any subsequent trials will be closely monitored, both domestically and internationally, for their implications on counter-terrorism efforts and human rights considerations.