ISIS terrorists plotted attacks on Christmas and New Year celebrations targeting non-Muslims in Istanbul, but Turkish authorities smashed the plot with 115 arrests.
Story Highlights
- Turkish police detained 115 ISIS suspects on December 25, 2025, after intelligence revealed plans to strike Christmas and New Year events aimed at non-Muslims.
- Raids hit 124 locations in Istanbul, seizing firearms, ammunition, and documents tied to attack planning, financing, and propaganda.
- 137 arrest warrants issued; 22 suspects remain at large as manhunt continues.
- Operation underscores ISIS’s persistent threat despite losing territory in 2019, with links to foreign operatives.
Swift Action Thwarts Holiday Terror Plot
Turkish police launched simultaneous raids across 124 locations in Istanbul on December 25, 2025. Intelligence had warned of ISIS plans to target non-Muslims during Christmas and New Year celebrations. Authorities detained 115 suspects involved in plotting attacks, financing operations, spreading propaganda, and maintaining contacts with foreign ISIS members. The Istanbul Chief Prosecutor’s Office issued 137 warrants, demonstrating decisive national security enforcement. This operation prevented potential bloodshed in crowded urban holiday gatherings.
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ISIS Networks Persist Despite Major Setbacks
ISIS lost its territorial caliphate in 2019 but continues asymmetric threats near Turkey’s Syrian border. Turkey designated the group a terrorist organization in 2013 and has arrested over 19,000 affiliates by 2023, including more than 7,600 foreign nationals deported. This raid follows large-scale detentions in March 2025, highlighting non-territorial activities like funding and recruitment. Istanbul’s diverse crowds during holidays amplify risks from this second-most serious terror threat to the nation.
Seizures and Ongoing Manhunt
Raids yielded firearms, ammunition, and organizational documents confirming attack preparations. Detainees face investigation for ISIS affiliations, with 22 fugitives still sought as of December 26, 2025. The Istanbul Chief Prosecutor’s Office announced intelligence specifically pointed to plots against non-Muslims. Turkish security forces executed the operation flawlessly, prioritizing public safety amid heightened holiday vulnerabilities. Efforts persist to dismantle these transnational networks.
Turkey’s long Syrian border facilitates ISIS incursions, making vigilance essential. Historical precedents include thousands of arrests since 2013 and past attacks on public venues. This scale—115 detentions from 137 warrants—ranks among the largest recent operations, reinforcing the need for sustained counterterrorism.
Implications for Security and Stability
Short-term, the raids disrupted immediate threats, safeguarding celebrants in Istanbul. Long-term, they expose ISIS adaptability through hidden networks, demanding ongoing intelligence efforts. Non-Muslims and the broader public benefit directly, though heightened security may impact tourism. Politically, the action bolsters Turkey’s firm stance against terror; socially, it highlights sectarian tensions. Globally, it raises travel alerts and stresses regional cooperation against jihadist resurgence.
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