Turkey's Ongoing Fight Against Terror: A Recent Clash

Village of Elmalik, Yalova Province

In a recent event, Turkish security forces faced a violent confrontation with ISIS militants during a late-night operation in the village of Elmalik, located in the western Yalova province. The clash resulted in the deaths of three police officers and injuries to eight others.

Operation Details

• Duration: Over seven hours
• Target: Suspected ISIS hideout
• Casualties:
• ISIS Members Killed: 6
• ISIS Members Detained: 5
• Objective: Prevent planned attacks during the winter holidays, particularly targeting minority groups.

Aftermath and Impact

• Social Media Footage: Videos captured the intense gunfight and aftermath, showing smoke rising from the area and emergency vehicles rushing to the scene.
• Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya's Statement: The operation was conducted carefully due to the presence of women and children at the location. All civilians were safely evacuated.
• Disruptions:
• Electricity and natural gas supplies to Elmalik were cut off.
• Schools in the area were closed for the day.

Broader Context

Turkey frequently conducts counterterrorism operations against ISIS and other groups like the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which the government considers terrorist organizations.

Heightened Security Measures

The recent raid comes amid heightened security measures, especially around the end-of-year holidays. This is a response to past attacks, such as:

• 2017 ISIS Attack on the Reina Nightclub: Killed 39 people.
• January 2024 ISIS Attack in Istanbul: Armed men targeted a church, resulting in one death.

Investigation and Legal Actions

• Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc: Announced that an investigation into the raid has been launched, with five state prosecutors assigned to the case.
• Recent Arrests:
• Detained: 138 terror suspects
• Under Judicial Control: 97 individuals
• Ongoing Operations: Turkish security forces continue to carry out coordinated raids across the country to thwart alleged plots linked to Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations.