Turkish Security Forces Detain 39 Suspected ISIS Members in Istanbul

Security forces in Istanbul have detained 39 people suspected of belonging to the terrorist organization ISIS. The suspects face accusations of collecting financial donations for the group under the guise of "zakat and alms."

This operation was conducted through a coordinated effort involving the Istanbul Public Prosecutor's Office's Terrorism Crimes Investigation Bureau, alongside the city's Anti-Terrorism and Intelligence Directorates. It forms part of ongoing efforts to dismantle and expose the covert activities of the extremist group.

Investigations revealed that an individual named Orhan Koçuk, known within militant circles as Muhammad the Driver, led a faction of ISIS supporters. He organized meetings and religious lessons within illegal association offices and unlicensed mosques affiliated with the group. These gatherings aimed at raising funds and financial flows from sympathizers under the cover of religious aid.

The inquiry further showed that the targeted ISIS members propagated extremist rhetoric that declared the Turkish state system and its officials as apostates, accusing them of "not ruling by what God has revealed." They utilized these unlicensed mosques as platforms to attract and recruit new members to their extremist ideology.

Following judicial authorization from the public prosecutor's office to detain 42 suspects, security forces launched simultaneous raids on 43 locations across Istanbul, including the two unlicensed mosques. These actions resulted in the arrest of 39 suspects.

During the searches, security teams seized an unlicensed pistol, 50 rounds of ammunition, two bladed weapons, a drone, and a large number of digital devices and materials. These items are currently undergoing examination and analysis.