Turkish security forces detained 40 people in Izmir as part of a massive operation targeting terrorism and drug-related criminal activities, according to state-run Anadolu Company. The counterterrorism and narcotics raids happened in main Izmir and the Menemen district, including numerous security systems, consisting of intelligence and anti-smuggling groups.
Throughout the operation, authorities seized 8,277 miracle drug tablets, 77 grams of cannabis, 4 unlicensed handguns, and a rifle. Authorities think the apprehended people have ties to both the Kurdistan Employees’ Celebration (PKK) and the Gülen motion, 2 companies categorized as risks by the Turkish federal government.
The PKK, thought about a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union, has actually participated in a long-running dispute with the Turkish state for over 3 years. In addition, Turkish authorities hold the Gülen motion accountable for managing the 2016 stopped working coup effort, which caused 249 deaths and over 2,200 injuries. Fethullah Gülen, the motion’s banished leader, resided in the United States up until his death in October 2024.
This most current operation highlights Turkey’s continuous security steps to fight terrorism and arranged criminal offense. Authorities have yet to verify whether extra arrests or operations are prepared.