Ankara, Turkey – The village of Elmalık, in the Yalova province of Turkey, has been the scene of violent clashes between security forces and ISIS militants since 2:00 AM on Monday. These clashes are part of a major security operation whose repercussions are still unfolding.
Field details: Injuries and mobilization
The clashes began when Yalova security forces raided a terrorist hideout, prompting a sudden and heavy exchange of fire from the suspects. The initial gunfight resulted in injuries to seven police officers, who were immediately transported to hospitals. While medical reports confirmed their stable condition, one of the injured was transferred to the neighboring province of Bursa for specialized treatment.
Turkish security forces immediately deployed special operations teams (PÖH) from the city of Bursa to provide operational support. Clashes have continued in the area’s streets for over six hours, amidst sporadic gunfire.
Exceptional measures: Isolating the area and suspending classes
The Yalova Governorate issued decisive measures to control the situation and protect civilians. These measures included closing five schools in the operation zone and postponing classes for the day. Natural gas and electricity were cut off to the security perimeter to ensure safety and prevent explosions.
Civilians and vehicles were completely barred from entering the area, while operations continued “in an organized manner” to eliminate the entrenched elements.
A tense security situation: New Year’s plots foiled
The Yalova operation comes as part of a series of intensive security strikes launched by Turkish intelligence (MIT) and police against the organization in recent days, coinciding with New Year’s celebrations:
The Istanbul operation (December 25) involved raids on 124 addresses, resulting in the arrest of 115 people. Large quantities of weapons and organizational documents were also seized.
The investigations targeted non-Muslims, revealing that the arrested cells were planning attacks targeting places of worship and non-Muslim citizens during the Christmas holidays.
The arrest of Ibrahim Portakocin: Intelligence services apprehended this individual in Malatya last week. He was found to be preparing to carry out a suicide or armed attack on New Year’s Eve.
The Yalova Governorate, in its latest statement, affirms that operations are ongoing and will not cease until all terrorist elements are neutralized. It emphasizes in particular that “the safety of our citizens and officers is the top priority in this decisive confrontation.”
