Nine people killed in Turkey during special operation against ISIS
Nine people were killed in Turkey during a police operation against a cell of the Islamic State militant group, including three members of the security forces. This was announced by Turkish Interior Minister Ali Erlikaya, reports DW.
The clash took place in the province of Yalova, south of Istanbul, when police stormed a house believed to be a radical hideout. According to official reports, six militants were killed in the operation. Eight other police officers and one night guard were wounded, their condition is described as stable.
As the special operation was launched, the authorities temporarily blocked traffic in the area, cut off gas and electricity supply, and closed five schools. Specialised gendarmerie units from the neighbouring province of Bursa were deployed to strengthen security.
The raid was a continuation of a nationwide campaign against extremists. Last week, Turkish police detained 115 people suspected of preparing attacks during the Christmas and New Year holidays. According to the authorities, the group called for violent acts during the festive period.
In recent years, ISIS has repeatedly carried out terrorist attacks in Turkey. One of the bloodiest occurred on New Year's Eve 2017 in an Istanbul nightclub, when 39 people were killed.
