Politics
23:02, 29-Dec-2017
Turkey arrests 75 over alleged ISIL links ahead of New Year's Eve
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Turkey arrested at least 75 people in two major cities over suspected links to ISIL as part of tightened security measures ahead of New Year's Eve, state-run Anadolu Agency reported on Friday.
Twenty-nine suspects were detained during a series of anti-terrorism operations in the capital Ankara, the agency said.
The swoop came after the Ankara Public Prosecutor's Office issued arrest warrants for 46 suspects, most of whom were foreign nationals.
In Istanbul, police said they detained 46 suspects, including 43 foreigners, during raids.
First aid officers carry an injured woman at the site of an armed attack on January 1, 2017 in Istanbul. /VCG Photo
First aid officers carry an injured woman at the site of an armed attack on January 1, 2017 in Istanbul. /VCG Photo
Some of the suspects were allegedly plotting a terror attack on the New Year's Day celebrations, according to the police officials.
Around 37,000 police officers and some 4,000 gendarmes will be on duty over New Year, Istanbul Governor Vasip Sahin said on Thursday.
Public celebrations are cancelled or banned in key districts in Istanbul on New Year's Eve for security reasons.
"New Year security measures will be at the highest level. Gatherings will not be allowed," said Ismail Kilic, police chief of Beyoglu district in Istanbul.
On December 31 last year, a gunman killed 39 people at Reina nightclub in Istanbul. ISIL claimed responsibility for the shootings.
Source(s): Xinhua News Agency