In a nationwide sweep named “Operation Heroes-49”, the Turkish authorities have detained 147 individuals suspected of having connections with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

This simultaneous operation, spanning across 33 provinces, was announced by Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya via social media. The large-scale security initiative is a part of Turkey’s ongoing efforts to combat ISIS and suppress further militant activities within its borders.

The operation comes in the wake of a deadly incident last month that shook the country. A Turkish citizen fell victim to a brutal attack by two ISIS gunmen at the Italian Santa Maria Catholic Church in Istanbul. Following this assault, Turkish police successfully apprehended the suspected attackers, demonstrating their commitment to swift justice and public safety.