Turkish police announced Saturday the arrest of two suspected members of the Islamic State jihadist organization who were planning to commit an attack in Istanbul on New Year’s Eve.
According to the Istanbul Provincial Security Directorate, the two suspects, of Uzbek and Tajik nationality, attempted to elude police officers who were following them in the Basaksehir district of Istanbul, but were eventually arrested after the officers shot at the wheels of the vehicle.
The suspects were taken to the Istanbul Anti-Terrorism Section for questioning. The Tajik suspect, identified as alias ‘Abu Maymuna’ may have collaborated with the Afghan affiliate of Islamic State and was considered to be an explosives specialist.
In November last year, the Turkish city was the scene of a suicide bombing that left at least six dead and 81 injured. Turkish authorities blamed Kurdish groups who denied any involvement in the attack.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
