Three Turkish police officers have been killed and at least eight others wounded during a major security operation targeting suspected Islamic State militants.
Deadly Confrontation in Northwest Turkey
The violent exchange of fire occurred on Monday 29 December 2025 in the Elmali district of Yalova province, located south of Istanbul. According to Turkey's Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, police special forces stormed a house where the alleged extremists were hiding, leading to a fierce shoot-out.
Six militants were killed in the confrontation. A night guard was also among those injured during the incident. Minister Yerlikaya stated that the operation was conducted with "great care" due to the presence of women and children inside the property.
Nationwide Crackdown on Extremist Networks
The raid in Yalova was not an isolated event. It formed part of a sweeping nationwide crackdown, with more than 100 simultaneous raids carried out across 15 Turkish provinces targeting IS suspects.
This wave of operations follows another series of arrests just last week. Some 115 militants were detained at that time for allegedly planning attacks on Christmas and New Year celebrations. Minister Yerlikaya confirmed that all individuals arrested in the recent actions are Turkish nationals.
In a statement posted on X, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his condolences for the slain officers and vowed to continue the fight. "We will continue our fight against the blood‑stained killers who threaten our nation's peace and our state's security both within our borders and beyond, with determination, comprehensively and without compromise," he said.
Investigation Launched and Ongoing Threat
The Yalova Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation into Monday's deadly shooting. Turkish Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc announced on X that five prosecutors have been appointed to lead the probe.
The incident underscores the persistent threat posed by Islamic State in Turkey. The group has been responsible for a series of deadly attacks in recent years, including the infamous 2017 Istanbul nightclub shooting on New Year's Eve, which claimed 39 lives.
Turkish authorities report that a total of 138 IS suspects have been arrested in the last month alone, highlighting the intensity of the ongoing security campaign against extremist networks within the country.
