Six detained in anti-ISIL operation in Istanbul

ISTANBUL

AA photo

Six people were detained in an operation against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Istanbul early on Aug. 24. The operation was carried out on 10 addresses situated in four districts. The anti-terror police raided addresses in Pendik, Sancaktepe, Ümraniye and Üsküdar with support from riot police. 

Police helicopters patrolled the area in order to provide coordination during the simultaneous operation. In addition, the police teams took strict security measures with long-barreled weapons on the streets where the raids were conducted. 

Police detained six people whom were determined to have fought alongside ISIL in Syria and come back to Turkey. Digital documents related to ISIL were seized in the operation. The detained people were recruiting militants for ISIL and providing logistical support to the jihadists, Doğan News Agency reported. 

The suspects were taken to police headquarters after going through security checks.

Searches were also carried out in locations identified by the suspects.

The operation was carried out around the same time that Turkey took part in the launch of an operation against ISIL in the Jarablus region of Syria.