Turkish authorities detained 32 people on Friday that they claimed had links to the Islamic State (IS). Authorities allege that the individuals were planning to carry out attacks on synagogues and churches as well as the Iranian embassy. The Turkish National Intelligence Agency (MIT) claims that it identified several high-ranking members of IS within the country and acted to stop any plans they may have had to disrupt the peace. The operation, codename Heros-37, took place in nine different cities to apprehend the three prime suspects and 29 people with links to them. It produced large amounts of digital evidence that authorities are investigating.

IS has claimed responsibility for several attacks in Türkiye since 2015, including the Ankara Bombings in 2015. Turkish state media claim that IS has killed over 300 people in the country.

Turkish Minister of the Interior Ali Yerlikaya stated in a tweet that all threats from this cell had been dealt with. He went on to clarify that Turkey will not tolerate terrorists and that the MIT will ensure that Turkey remains a safe place.

This news also comes shortly after the government apprehended over 300 suspected IS fighters. These raids took place in almost every major Turkish city to help secure the nation ahead of the country’s parliamentary elections next year.