Key facts
- Turkish security forces detained 209 individuals in Ankara.
- The detentions are linked to suspected ties with extremist groups, including the Islamic State.
- Authorities issued detention orders for a total of 241 suspects.
- The raids are in preparation for the NATO summit scheduled for July 7-8.
- Among those detained are alleged members of the Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party/Front.
Security forces in Turkey's capital, Ankara, detained 209 individuals on Tuesday suspected of links to extremist groups, including the Islamic State, as part of heightened security measures ahead of a NATO summit. Prosecutors had issued detention orders for 241 suspects, with raids ongoing to apprehend the remaining individuals.
Among those detained were 56 alleged Islamic State militants and 35 members of the Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party/Front, a far-left organization known for armed attacks in Turkey. The Islamic State group has previously conducted deadly attacks within Turkey, including a 2017 shooting in Istanbul that resulted in 39 fatalities.
U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to attend the July 7-8 summit in Ankara, where leaders from the 32-member alliance will convene. Turkey's government, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is implementing strict security protocols, including bans on demonstrations and road restrictions, to ensure safety during the event.