UPDATE 2 - Türkiye says 6 ISIS terrorists killed in counterterrorism operation in Yalova

UPDATES WITH REMARKS FROM TURKISH PRESIDENT, MORE QUOTES FROM INTERIOR MINISTER

By Gizem Nisa Demir and Kanyshai Butun

ISTANBUL (AA) - At least six ISIS (Daesh) terrorists were killed during a counterterrorism operation in Türkiye’s northwestern province of Yalova, the Turkish interior minister said on Monday.

Ali Yerlikaya said that three police officers were also killed after the terrorists opened fire on them.

He added that eight police officers and one security guard were wounded in the clash.

Speaking at the Interior Ministry’s Security and Emergency Coordination Center, Yerlikaya said the operation targeted ISIS terrorists in Yalova and was carried out by Turkish security forces as part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts.

The operation, he added, was part of a broader nationwide campaign against ISIS and simultaneous operations were carried out at 108 separate addresses across 15 provinces early Monday.

Yerlikaya noted that the operation was conducted with extreme caution due to the presence of civilians inside the house. Five women and six children were safely evacuated from the residence before the clash intensified.

“In the ensuing clash, six terrorists were neutralized and found dead. These terrorists were Turkish citizens,” Yerlikaya said, adding that the operation concluded at 9.40 am local time (0640GMT).

According to the interior minister, in the last month, 138 suspects were arrested in operations conducted against the ISIS terrorist organization, and 97 suspects were prosecuted.

Separately, Turkish Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc announced that five suspects have been taken into custody and five public prosecutors have been assigned for investigation.

- ‘We will continue our fight’

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also extended condolences to the families of the security personnel killed during the operation and vowed that Türkiye would continue to fight against terrorism.

“We will continue our fight in a determined, multi-dimensional and uncompromising manner against bloodstained terrorists who target the peace of our nation and the security of our state,” he said on Turkish social media platform NSosyal.

Erdogan said he prayed for mercy for the “heroic members of the security forces” and extended condolences to their families, the Turkish police, and the nation.

He also wished a speedy recovery for police officers wounded during the raid.