Police detain 16 in ISIL operation in Istanbul

Police detain 16 in ISIL operation in Istanbul

ISTANBUL
Police have detained a total of 16 suspects in an operation against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Istanbul. The operation was carried out in five districts, Anadolu Agency reported on Sept. 22.

The operation, which was conducted upon intelligence received regarding a preparation for an attack, was carried out in a total of 20 addresses simultaneously in the districts of Sultanbeyli, Sancaktepe, Maltepe, Üsküdar and Ümraniye. 

A number of documents related to the jihadist organization and digital data were confiscated in the search conducted in the houses of the suspects. Books related to the Gülenist organization, believed to have organized the July 15 failed coup attempt, were also seized in the searches. 

It was determined that several of the suspects went to clash areas in Syria to fight alongside ISIL and came back to Turkey. 

The processing of the suspects, who underwent medical exams, at the police headquarters was ongoing.