Turkish forces arrest 48 in connection with Santa Maria Church attack

Turkish security forces have arrested 48 individuals in connection to the armed attack at Istanbul's Santa Maria Church, targeting the Daesh terrorist group.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced these developments on social media, firmly stating, "We will never tolerate any terrorist actions. Our security forces will keep fighting relentlessly for our nation's peace, unity, and solidarity."

In Istanbul's Sariyer district, the police successfully apprehended 30 suspects linked to the church attack. Additionally, Ankara's police force detained 18 individuals with connections to Daesh.

Minister Yerlikaya commended the police for their efforts, saying, "Congratulations to our heroic police officers. May God protect them. Our nation's prayers are with you."

Following the tragic Santa Maria Church assault on Jan. 28, which claimed the life of Tuncer Murat Cihan, authorities had previously detained 60 suspects.

Of these, 26 faced deportation, 25 were arrested, and 9 were placed under judicial control.

Source: Newsroom