Turkey: 33 IS suspects detained on accusations of plotting attacks before local election

Turkish police have arrested 33 suspected members of the Islamic State (IS) group in operations in the northwestern province of Sakarya over alleged preparation of attacks ahead of the country’s local elections later this month, Xinhua reported on Sunday.

According to Turkish authorities, the suspects were recruiting fighters to conflict zones, providing financial aid for the group, and operating illegal mosques and madrassas.

Türkiye has stepped up operations against IS terrorists after the group attacked a church in Istanbul in late January, killing a civilian during Sunday mass.