Turkish security forces have detained 29 suspects in Istanbul as part of a sweeping counterterrorism operation targeting alleged Daesh (also known as ISIS) propaganda networks, officials announced Tuesday.

The coordinated raids were conducted simultaneously across 29 different addresses throughout Istanbul following intelligence gathered in the wake of a deadly incident in Yalova province that authorities believe was linked to the extremist group.

According to a statement from the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, 28 of the detained individuals are accused of disseminating Daesh propaganda through social media platforms. The remaining suspect is believed to have more direct operational ties to the terrorist organization.

During the property searches, authorities seized three handguns, various ammunition, digital materials, and what they described as “organizational documents” that may provide further intelligence about the network’s structure and planned activities.

This latest operation appears connected to a recent counterterrorism raid in Yalova province that ended in violence, with three police officers killed and six suspects “neutralized” – a term Turkish authorities typically use to indicate suspects were either killed, captured, or surrendered.

The Istanbul operation represents Türkiye’s ongoing struggle against Daesh, which has targeted the country in multiple deadly attacks over recent years. The most notorious was the 2017 New Year’s attack on the Reina nightclub in Istanbul that killed 39 people.

Security experts note that Türkiye faces a complex terrorist threat landscape, with its location making it a transit point for foreign fighters and a potential target for extremist groups operating in neighboring Syria and Iraq.

“These operations demonstrate Türkiye’s continued commitment to dismantling terrorist networks operating within its borders,” said Ahmet Yayla, a counterterrorism expert and former Turkish National Police official. “The focus on propaganda networks is particularly important as they serve as recruitment pipelines.”

The Turkish government has intensified its counterterrorism efforts in recent months amid concerns about potential resurgence of Daesh activities following regional instability and the group’s attempts to reorganize in various territories.

Turkish Interior Ministry data indicates authorities have conducted hundreds of operations against suspected Daesh cells in the past year alone, with Istanbul – the country’s largest city with a population exceeding 15 million – remaining a focal point for security concerns.

The country has long been criticized by some Western allies for what they perceived as insufficient border controls during the height of Daesh’s power in Syria and Iraq. However, Turkish officials maintain they have taken significant measures to combat terrorist threats, including deporting thousands of foreign terrorist fighters and enhancing intelligence cooperation with international partners.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has repeatedly emphasized that Türkiye remains committed to fighting all terrorist organizations, including Daesh, PKK, and other extremist groups.

The investigation into the 29 detained suspects continues, with authorities expected to provide additional details in the coming days. Under Turkish counterterrorism laws, suspects can be held for questioning for up to four days, with possible extensions in complex cases involving terrorist organizations.

Security measures have been visibly increased around Istanbul following the operation, with additional police presence noted at transportation hubs, tourist sites, and other potentially vulnerable locations throughout the city.