Turkey arrests 75 over alleged IS links ahead of New Year's Eve
Xinhua,December 29, 2017 Adjust font size:
ANKARA, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Turkey arrested at least 75 people over suspected links to Islamic State (IS) in capital Ankara and Istanbul, as part of tightened security measures ahead of New Year's Eve, state-run Anadolu Agency reported on Friday.
Some 29 suspects have been detained during a series of anti-terrorism operations in Ankara.
The raids came after Ankara Public Prosecutor's Office issued arrest warrants for 46 suspects, most of whom were foreign nationals.
In Istanbul, police have detained 46 suspects during the raids, among whom were 43 foreigners.
Some of the suspects were allegedly plotting a terror attack on the New Year's Day celebrations, according to the police officials.
Around 37,000 police officers and some 4,000 gendarmes will be on duty over New Year, Istanbul Governor Vasip Sahin said on Thursday.
Public celebrations are cancelled or banned in key districts in Istanbul on New Year's Eve for security reasons.
"New Year security measures will be at the highest level. Gatherings will not be allowed," said Ismail Kilic, police chief of Beyoglu district in Istanbul.
On Dec. 31, 2016, a gunman killed 39 people at Reina nightclub in Istanbul. IS claimed responsibility for the nightclub shooting. Enditem