Intelligence report warned of ISIL suicide bombers in Turkey

Fevzi Kızılkoyun / ANKARA

AP photo

Turkish security forces had repeatedly warned about seven Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militants who crossed into Turkey illegally, planning to stage deadly attacks against targets in the country.

The National Intelligence Organization (MİT) informed security forces about possible attacks by ISIL members on June 22 and July 3.

The shared intelligence included the names of seven ISIL militants, including three women. 

After the MİT notice, police initiated operations against ISIL in several cities, including İstanbul, Ankara, Şanlıurfa, Konya and İzmir, detaining around 97 people. 

However, security forces reportedly failed to reach seven of the targets in the raids.