Turkish security forces on Tuesday arrested more than 200 individuals linked to the Islamic State and other organizations deemed terrorist by Ankara, prosecutors said.
With NATO leaders set to convene in Ankara for the annual summit next month, the government has intensified security measures and elevated policing across the city.
U.S. President Donald Trump and representatives from all 32 member states are expected to attend the July 7‑8 summit.
What do we know about Tuesday’s arrests?
The Ankara prosecutor’s office reported that 241 arrest warrants had been issued, resulting in the detention of 209 individuals.
Police operations targeting the suspects are ongoing.
Prosecutors identified that 56 of those arrested were alleged members of the so‑called Islamic State group and 35 were associated with the Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party/Front (DHKP‑C), a communist organization designated as a terrorist group by Turkey that has claimed responsibility for past attacks.
Turkish media also reported a separate operation targeting the DHKP‑C, coordinated by prosecutors in Istanbul, which led to 24 arrests across eight provinces.
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How is Turkey tightening security ahead of the NATO summit?
Turkey has long faced violent threats from several internal dissident groups, and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government routinely conducts security sweeps.
Last month, investigators carried out a nationwide sweep targeting Islamic State suspects, arresting 324 individuals.
Ankara authorities are implementing strict security measures for the July 7‑8 NATO summit.
Public demonstrations will be banned from June 28 until the event concludes.
Access to roads leading to airports will be restricted, and areas around the summit venue and hotels hosting delegations will be sealed off.