Turkish security forces detained suspects in preparation of terrorist attacks in Istanbul

DHA: 15 suspects were detained in Istanbul in preparation of terrorist attacks against consulates

During the operation in Istanbul, security forces detained 15 people suspected of receiving instructions to prepare terrorist attacks against the consulates of Sweden and the Netherlands in the city and religious sites, the DHA news agency reported.

“During the operation of the National Intelligence Organization and the police against members of the terrorist group “Islamic State”, 15 people were detained, suspected of receiving instructions from the leaders of the IG* “Khorasan Vilayet” instructions (on preparing terrorist attacks – ed.) against the consulates of Sweden and the Netherlands, as well as religious sites of Christians and Jews in Istanbul,” the agency reported.

Earlier, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, commenting on the situation about the closure of consulates by a number of Western countries in Istanbul, said that it is difficult to call these countries allies and friends.

The Consulates General of Sweden, the Netherlands, Great Britain, France, Switzerland and Germany in Istanbul said they had stopped accepting visitors due to the threat of terrorist attacks in the city center. As a diplomatic source told RIA Novosti, the ambassadors were summoned to the Turkish Foreign Ministry, they were told about the unreasonableness of such behavior. The Consulate of the Russian Federation reported that it continues to operate normally. Turkish Interior Minister Suleiman Soylu on Thursday called the closure of a number of European countries of their consulates in Istanbul a “psychological war” against the country amid statements from the United States about the threat of terrorist attacks.

The US Embassy warned its citizens on Monday about the danger of terrorist attacks in the center of Istanbul. The targets, allegedly, may be churches, synagogues, diplomatic missions in Istanbul or other places popular among foreigners, especially the Istanbul districts of Beyoglu, Galata, Taksim, Istiklal Street.