20 suspected ISIL members detained in Turkey’s south

Counter-terrorism police conducted simultaneous raids on 22 different addresses in various neighborhoods, after a tip-off that ISIL cells were in preparation for sensational attacks.

Twenty suspects, including the group’s senior figures, were detained in the operation supported by a helicopter and other departments.

In addition, memory sticks, computers and equipment containing organizational documents were also seized during the searches.

The suspects were later taken to Adana police headquarters for questioning.

A Syrian citizen was also arrested on Aug. 1 in the province for attempting to bring nine Trinidadian citizens to Syria to join ISIL.

Turkey has been on high alert after being rocked by a series of suicide and car bomb attacks allegedly perpetrated by the group that have claimed many lives and wounded hundreds.

On June 28, at least 44 people were killed and hundreds were wounded in a suicide bomb attack at Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport blamed on the jihadist group.