Two minors suspected of preparing a sensational attack on behalf of the terrorist organization Daesh were arrested in Istanbul in separate operations, one in July and another in September, according to security sources.
The two child suspects, one of Turkmenistan nationality, were found to have encrypted communications indicating they were preparing a new attack in Istanbul, inspired by past terrorist acts, according to security sources.
According to information based on security sources, the Istanbul Police Department’s Counter-Terrorism and Intelligence Branch Directorates placed two child suspects under surveillance, one of Turkmenistan nationality, both under 18 years old, during operations against the global terrorist organization Daesh.
The picture shows one of the suspects, who was captured during a counter-terrorism operation in Istanbul, targeting the Daesh terrorist organization. (IHA Photo)
First Daesh suspect detained in July operation
Security and intelligence units, operating under the coordination of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, determined that two suspects identified as D.R. and A.Y.G. were preparing a sensational attack, acting as the organization’s “lone wolf” activists independently of each other.
Police first infiltrated closed-system communication programs used by organization-affiliated individuals for communication and placed Turkmenistan-origin D.R. under close surveillance last July after reaching information indicating he was conducting meetings with Daesh members.
When it was understood that D.R. was acting under organizational control, a decision was made regarding the operation through coordinated work with the Child Branch Directorate. D.R. was detained in the operation conducted at that time.
Digital examinations seized from the suspect revealed traces of organizational closed-circuit communication programs and applications (RocketChat, Techhaven, Trueerypt, Vepaerypt) and various encryption programs.
A document finding regarding terrorist organization Daesh members who were planning an attack in Istanbul, Türkiye. (IHA Photo)
Documents on explosives and attack tactics found
These digital materials contained various documents and images about drone use, documents and training videos on explosive material production in the images, and videos on homemade explosive bomb production.
Additionally, organizational documents containing guides and images for attacking/carrying out actions on vehicles, a folder titled “attack tactics” and numerous organizational documents were decrypted in the same materials.
After procedures at police, child suspect D.R. was referred to judicial authorities and released with a court decision for “house arrest.”
Some of the findings regarding the two minors in Istanbul who were reportedly in preparation for a Daesh attack. (IHA Photo)
Second suspect arrested after Izmir attack
In another operation conducted by the Istanbul Counter-Terrorism Branch and the Intelligence Branch Directorate against Daesh, it was determined that child suspect A.Y.G., whose name appeared in closed-system communication programs used by organization members, was preparing an attack.
Police, who obtained information and documents indicating he was conducting meetings with organization members, detained A.Y.G. on Sept. 9 in an operation at a house in Atasehir.
Digital materials seized from A.Y.G. contained allegiance videos and armed propaganda images, and a sensational attack plan was decrypted.
Files indicating the suspect, whose encryption programs were decoded, received training on the production of explosive materials and the disassembly and assembly of long-barreled weapons, and evidence of weapons training was obtained.
After procedures at the police, the Daesh suspect under 18 years old was referred to judicial authorities and was arrested by the court and delivered to prison.
So-called “allegiance videos” understood to have been taken before the attack were included among the evidence in the investigation file.
Scenes from the shotgun attack by 16-year-old at Salih Isgoren Police Station in Izmirs Balcova district, 8 Sept. 2025. (AA Photo)
Encrypted communications show past attack inspiration
Encrypted communications were detected, indicating that Turkmenistan national D.R. and Turkish-origin A.Y.G., assessed to be preparing attacks, were inspired by terrorist attacks carried out in past years and were seeking a new attack in Istanbul, recalling the Izmir attack.
On Sept. 8, 16-year-old E.B. attacked the Salih Isgoren Police Station with a pump-action shotgun in Izmir’s Balcova district, killing first-class police superintendent chief inspector Muhsin Aydemir and police officer Hasan Akin.
Two police officers and one citizen were also injured.
The two suspects, one caught in July and the other one day after the Izmir attack in Istanbul’s Maltepe and Atasehir districts, indicate that Daesh is turning to child activists.
October 04, 2025 03:12 PM GMT+03:00