Turkish authorities have launched one of the country’s largest recent counterterrorism operations, detaining more than 200 suspects linked to ISIS and several outlawed extremist organisations ahead of next month’s NATO summit in Ankara.
The operation comes as Turkey ramps up security preparations for the July 7–8 summit, which is expected to bring together leaders of the alliance’s 32 member states, including US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
According to the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, detention warrants were issued for 241 suspects during coordinated operations conducted by police and gendarmerie units. By Tuesday, 209 individuals had been taken into custody while efforts continued to apprehend the remaining suspects.
Officials said those detained were linked to multiple organisations designated as terrorist groups by Ankara. Among them were alleged members of ISIS and the far-left Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party-Front (DHKP-C), a group that has carried out attacks in Turkey in the past.
Security agencies said the operation was designed to disrupt potential threats before the alliance meeting and prevent any attempt to target visiting delegations, diplomatic facilities or public gatherings.
The Ankara Governor’s Office has imposed a temporary ban on demonstrations and public protests beginning June 28 and extending through the conclusion of the summit. Additional security measures include restrictions around airports, hotels hosting foreign delegations and summit venues.
Turkey has intensified its campaign against ISIS in recent months amid concerns about the group’s regional activities. In May, authorities detained hundreds of suspected ISIS members across multiple provinces in a nationwide operation.
The country remains on high alert due to its history of deadly ISIS attacks, including the 2017 Istanbul nightclub attack that killed 39 people and the 2015 Ankara train station bombing.
Analysts say the latest operation reflects Ankara’s determination to project stability and security as it hosts one of NATO’s most significant diplomatic gatherings in recent years.
The summit is expected to focus on European security, defence spending, regional conflicts and the alliance’s future strategic direction.
With world leaders expected to arrive in Ankara within weeks, Turkish authorities are expected to maintain heightened security operations across the capital in the lead-up to the summit.
