Turkish forces arrest IS fighters after perceived threat for churches
An armed Turkish special force police officer. Photo AFP, Ozan Kose
Southern Europe
The Turkish counterterrorism unit has arrested 15 people from the Daesh terrorist group. The suspects are accused of receiving instructions for terrorist attacks against some consulates and religious buildings. At the same time, the police say to have not found any concrete proof of threats after the arrest.
The 15 arrests occurred after the police received signals that the suspects had gotten instructions for a violent attack on the Dutch and Swedish consulates and worship buildings for Jews and Christians in Istanbul. That is reported by TRT World. According to an intelligence report, the suspects were ordered by the so-called Kohrasan Province (ISKP), a branch of the Daesh, to attack the buildings.
Targets
On Sunday, some reporters announced that the arrests were made on Saturday. However, the police quickly responded that, even though it was found out that the suspects were linked to the Daesh terrorist group, no concrete threats on specific targets were detected in the searches. The suspects have been transferred to a judicial palace in Istanbul, Tasnim News reports. A Turkish court has charged them.
The authorities have been investigating the suspects' motives and the possibility of accomplices.
Warfare
The arrests took place after several protests in Turkey against Sweden and the Netherlands, Hurryet writes. Both countries have been at the centre of controversy in Turkey because of Koran burnings. In Sweden, anti-Muslim leader Rasmus Paludan burned the holy book in Stockholm last month. A similar incident took place in The Hague shortly after.
The incidents led to much anger in Turkey. Officials condemned the actions, calling them "psychological warfare" and an attempt to damage the country's terrorism industry.
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