Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya announced that 239 suspects with finalized prison sentences and wanted records were arrested in ‘Bozdoğan-39’ operations organized in 22 provinces.
Minister Yerlikaya made a statement on the social media platform X and said, “We will not tolerate any terrorists. With the outstanding efforts of our security forces, we will continue our struggle with determination until the last terrorist is neutralized for the peace, unity and solidarity of our nation.”
The operations, carried out under the coordination of the General Directorate of Security TEM Department and Intelligence Directorate, were carried out in Adana, Adıyaman, Ankara, Antalya, Bitlis, Denizli, Diyarbakır, Elazığ, Hakkari, Hatay, İstanbul, İzmir, Kütahya, Manisa, Mardin, Mersin, Osmaniye, Sivas, Şanlıurfa, Şırnak, Tekirdağ and Van.
Operation Details
Minister Yerlikaya stated that the suspects targeted by the operations were associated with various crimes. The apprehended suspects:
- Mediating the illegal entry of members of the Separatist Terrorist Organization (BTÖ) abroad,
- They were active in the youth structure of the terrorist organization,
- Recruitment to the rural areas of the BTÖ,
- Participation in unlawful demonstrations,
- They were operating within the “Political Field Organization” of the BTÖ,
- Making propaganda for the terrorist organization through their social media accounts and at Nowruz events,
- They have been known to have been active in the terrorist organization in the past and
- It was determined that they had a finalized prison sentence and a wanted record.
Seized Materials
During the operations, 2 unlicensed pistols, 3 pistols converted into blanks, 2 unlicensed rifles, numerous organizational documents and digital materials were seized.
Minister Yerlikaya congratulated the security forces participating in the operation and said, “May God bless their feet. Our nation’s prayers are with you.”
This large-scale operation once again showed Turkey’s determination in the fight against terrorism. Simultaneous raids in 22 provinces were recorded as an important step for the peace and security of the country.
