14 detained in Istanbul for suspected links to ISIL

ISTANBUL – Anadolu Agency

At least 14 suspects were detained in Istanbul over alleged links to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a security source said early on March 23.

The anti-terror police carried out simultaneous operations in nine districts of Turkey’s most populous city, said the source, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on talking to the media.

Operations against ISIL will continue in the same districts, with names kept secret to avoid tipping off the suspects, the source added.

The suspects were detained while preparing for an attack, according to the source, and numerous documents and digital materials linked to ISIL were also seized.

Turkish security forces have been involved in a long-running campaign to clear ISIL from Turkey.

More than 300 people lost their lives in ISIL-claimed attacks in Turkey, where the group has targeted civilians with suicide bombs, rockets and gun attacks.