Türkiye Detains 198 in 34-Province Daesh Sweep After Istanbul Gun Attack

By Bosphorus News Geopolitics Desk

Türkiye has detained 198 suspects in coordinated operations across 34 provinces following an armed attack and ensuing clash with police in Istanbul, officials said on April 8.

The operation was launched after gunmen opened fire in the Levent district, in an incident that escalated into a confrontation with police near the building housing the Israeli consulate. Security forces neutralised one attacker while two others were captured injured. Two police officers were lightly wounded.

Authorities said the nationwide sweep targeted individuals linked to the Daesh terrorist organisation, expanding the investigation beyond the immediate perpetrators and into a broader network.

In a statement, officials said the operations were conducted as part of Türkiye's ongoing counterterrorism efforts carried out with "zero tolerance" against organisations exploiting religion for violence.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan condemned the incident, describing it as a "heinous terrorist attack," and said Türkiye would continue its fight against terrorism with determination.

The attack also drew international reactions. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar thanked Turkish security forces for their rapid response and coordination following the incident. The United States also condemned the attack, with U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack describing it as a terrorist act targeting the Israeli consulate's vicinity.

The scale of the operation reflects Ankara's assessment that the attack was not an isolated incident but part of a wider security threat linked to Daesh-linked cells.

Türkiye has carried out repeated operations against the group in recent years, focusing on dismantling networks, financing channels and recruitment structures.

The latest arrests indicate that authorities are continuing to pursue a nationwide approach, combining rapid tactical response to attacks with broader intelligence-driven operations.