Istanbul, Turkey – The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office announced on Thursday, December 25, 2025, that Turkish security forces had successfully thwarted major terrorist plots planned by ISIS during the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. The office confirmed the arrest of dozens of suspects in a large-scale security operation.
Preemptive strike: 124 simultaneous raids
The official statement, published on the “X” platform, indicated that security services in Istanbul had obtained precise intelligence. This intelligence revealed that ISIS cells were planning terrorist attacks, specifically targeting religious minorities and non-Muslims in Turkey during the holiday period.
Based on this information, counter-terrorism teams conducted coordinated raids on 124 locations across the city. These operations resulted in the arrest of 115 individuals out of 137 suspects identified by authorities. Quantities of firearms and live ammunition, intended for use in planned attacks, were also seized.
Targeting of minorities has escalated
This operation comes at a time of heightened security concerns in Istanbul following a recent spate of attacks targeting non-Muslims. On December 20, a group of Jewish citizens were attacked while on their way to the Nof Shalom synagogue to light Hanukkah candles.
It is worth noting that the Nof Shalom synagogue is one of the most prominent historical targets of extremist groups. It was the site of a deadly attack in 1986 that killed 22 people, and was also targeted by truck bombings in 2003.
Security alert for the holiday season
These arrests underscore the scale of the security mobilization imposed by Turkish authorities to secure vital centers, places of worship, and tourist areas in Istanbul. The aim is to ensure that New Year’s celebrations pass without security breaches, especially given the increasing threats from extremist organizations attempting to exploit religious and festive gatherings.
