Read on PBS NewsCounterterrorism Operations Intensify Against ISIS in Turkey and Syria
Recent counterterrorism operations in Turkey and Syria highlight the ongoing threat posed by ISIS cells. Turkish authorities in Istanbul detained over a hundred suspects allegedly planning attacks on Christmas and New Year celebrations, seizing weapons and documents. Simultaneously, Syrian security forces conducted raids near Damascus, capturing a senior ISIS leader and killing a commander. These coordinated actions underscore the persistent challenge of dismantling militant networks despite the group's territorial defeat, as ISIS continues to inspire and direct attacks globally.
In a significant demonstration of ongoing counterterrorism efforts, security forces in Turkey and Syria have launched coordinated operations against the militant Islamic State group (ISIS) in recent days. These actions highlight the persistent threat posed by the organization's cells, which continue to plot attacks and maintain operational capabilities years after the collapse of its self-proclaimed caliphate. The operations, targeting both logistical networks and leadership figures, reflect a multi-front approach to neutralizing the group's residual influence and preventing violence during high-profile public events.
Major Turkish Counterterrorism Raids in Istanbul
On December 25, 2025, Istanbul police executed a large-scale security operation, as reported by the Associated Press. Authorities launched simultaneous raids across 124 locations, acting on intelligence that ISIS had called for action against non-Muslims during the Christmas and New Year holiday period. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office issued warrants for 137 suspects, resulting in the detention of 115 individuals allegedly linked to the militant group. During the operations, officers seized numerous firearms, cartridges, and documents, indicating preparations for potential attacks.
Syrian Security Operations Near Damascus
Concurrently, Syrian security forces have intensified their operations against ISIS. According to the same Associated Press report, Syrian officials conducted two significant raids on the outskirts of Damascus. These operations yielded notable successes against the group's leadership structure. Syrian authorities reported the capture of Taha al-Zoubi, identified as the ISIS leader in the Damascus area. In the same operation, Mohammed Shahadeh, a senior ISIS commander in Syria, was killed. These actions demonstrate continued pressure on the group's operational hierarchy within Syria.
Context of Regional and International Efforts
These arrests and raids occur within a broader context of regional counterterrorism coordination. The report notes that top Turkish officials visited Syria earlier in the week to discuss efforts against ISIS among other issues. Furthermore, the operations follow recent U.S. military strikes in Syria, which the Trump administration launched to "eliminate" Islamic State fighters and weapons sites in retaliation for an ambush that killed two U.S. troops and an American civilian interpreter. This illustrates the multi-national dimension of the ongoing campaign against the group.
The Persistent ISIS Threat
Despite its dramatic territorial defeat in late 2019, when the U.S.-led coalition broke the group's last hold on territory, ISIS remains a potent threat. At its peak in 2015, the group controlled a vast area across Iraq and Syria. Known for its extreme brutality against religious minorities and Muslims who did not adhere to its interpretation of Islam, ISIS has since transitioned to a more diffuse, cell-based structure. These recent operations in Turkey and Syria confirm that these cells remain active and capable of planning complex attacks, requiring constant vigilance from security forces worldwide.
The detention of suspects in Turkey planning holiday attacks and the targeting of leadership in Syria underscore a critical reality: the fight against ISIS has evolved from a conventional military campaign to a protracted struggle against insurgency and terrorism. Security services must now focus on intelligence gathering, cross-border cooperation, and pre-emptive actions to disrupt plots before they materialize. The seizure of weapons in Istanbul and the neutralization of commanders near Damascus are tangible results of this necessary, ongoing effort.
