While much of the Western world spent Christmas Day focused on presents, food, and family, Turkish authorities were busy stopping something far darker. On December 25, officials announced the arrest of 115 individuals suspected of affiliation with the Islamic State, all tied to alleged plans for attacks during Christmas and New Year celebrations. That announcement alone should snap people back to reality about the nature of the threat that still exists.
The coordinated operation unfolded across 124 locations in Istanbul, involving police, intelligence services, and military forces working together. According to the Istanbul chief prosecutor’s office, the arrests followed intelligence indicating active preparations for holiday attacks. Not theoretical threats, not online ranting, but operational planning.
Authorities stated clearly that all 115 detainees had confirmed ties to Islamic State. These suspects were allegedly involved in financing ISIS activities, spreading propaganda, and maintaining communication with operatives outside of Turkey. There were no vague accusations here and no effort to blur ideological lines. Officials emphasized there were no indications of links to other Islamist groups in this case.
🚨 BREAKING: Turkey just arrested 115 Muslims for planning Christmas and NYE terror attacks, members of the Islamic State group.
Mass raids were carried out across 124 addresses in Istanbul.
Christianity and Christmas are under attack. pic.twitter.com/lq9MtPI0QB
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) December 25, 2025
The intended targets make the situation even more sobering. Intelligence reports indicated that Christmas and New Year gatherings were the focus, with non-Muslims singled out in particular. Officials did not disclose specific venues or locations, but the intent was clear enough. These were not symbolic plots. They were aimed at civilians celebrating holidays that ISIS openly despises.
During the raids, security forces seized firearms, ammunition, and organizational documents. Several pistols and related munitions were recovered, reinforcing the conclusion that these plans had moved beyond talk. Authorities stressed that the primary success of the operation was dismantling the network before it could act.
Turkey has designated ISIS as a terrorist organization since 2013 and has spent more than a decade dealing with the fallout of regional instability. The country shares a roughly 900-kilometer border with Syria, where ISIS continues to operate despite losing territorial control in 2019. Geography alone ensures Turkey remains on the front lines whether it likes it or not.
The numbers tell the story. Between 2013 and 2023, Turkish authorities arrested more than 19,000 individuals for alleged ISIS affiliations and deported over 7,600 foreign nationals suspected of involvement with foreign armed groups. Earlier this year, nearly 300 suspects were detained across 47 provinces. This is not occasional enforcement, it is sustained pressure.
Just days before these arrests, Turkish intelligence captured a senior ISIS figure near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border accused of orchestrating attacks on civilians. Taken together, these operations show a government that understands something many Western leaders still struggle to admit. Terrorist networks do not retire, do not self-moderate, and do not disappear because social media platforms ban them.
Christmas passed without the bloodshed these suspects allegedly intended. That outcome did not happen by accident. It happened because authorities acted first, decisively, and without apology.