Stories from Istanbul · Turkey

American artist Patti Smith is set to perform in Istanbul on May 17.

Police in Istanbul have launched operations to track down illegal arms traffickers. Istanbul police seized thousands of materials used in weapon manufacturing. Security forces conducted an operation in the Pendik district of Istanbul to target arms traffickers. Authorities discovered and raided a water well being used as a storage depot for unlicensed weapons. The operation is part of ongoing security force actions against weapon smugglers in the city. Istanbul Organized Crime Branch teams raided a location in Pendik following a tip regarding hidden materials used for unlicensed weapon manufacturing. Officers discovered a quantity of components used to produce illegal firearms, which were being stored in a converted water well. This seizure represents the largest single amount of unlicensed weapon-making components recovered in Turkey.

Turkish Minister announced that cyber patrol operations resulted in 3,093 arrests during the first three months of the year. Authorities identified criminal elements in 86,937 individuals and accounts. A total of 2,072 operations were conducted to combat cybercrime. Additionally, 17,933 URL addresses were blocked as part of the enforcement actions.

A 20-year-old man was sent to prison following a robbery attempt in Istanbul's Kağıthane district on April 21. The assailant, who was wearing a mask, approached a parked vehicle and attempted to rob a young woman using a knife. The court officially classified the incident as a robbery crime. The suspect was sent to prison alongside an accomplice. A man and his 16-year-old accomplice were taken into custody following a robbery attempt involving a knife. During police questioning, the suspects claimed the incident was a joke and that they used the knife only to make the crime appear more convincing. The victim reported that she realized the event was staged two minutes after seeing her former partner at the scene. The individual confessed to the crime during questioning, stating he was influenced by 'the devil' and expressed regret.

A boxing match between Turkish boxer Emir Han Kalkan and Russian opponent Sergiy Gorokov turned into a physical altercation. The incident occurred during the third round of a bout for the UBO World Championship title. Dozens of individuals reportedly entered the ring and engaged in a fight. The confrontation was captured on camera following allegations of misconduct by the Russian team. Tension rose suddenly during the bout, leading to a fight that required intervention to settle.

President Erdoğan attended a lottery ceremony for 100,000 housing units in Istanbul as part of the Turkey Project. He called on citizens living in earthquake-vulnerable buildings to participate in relocation campaigns. Erdoğan criticized opposition-led municipalities, claiming they view municipal resources as loot to be plundered.

Interior Minister Çiftçi reported that 97% of unsolved murders from the last 23 years have been solved. Participants will include school principals, guidance counselors, and school coordination law enforcement officers. The strategy will utilize new technologies and artificial intelligence to enhance law enforcement capabilities. Çiftçi detailed these methods during a meeting with journalists. The initiative aims to shift focus from reacting to criminals to proactive prevention through technological integration. The new system will prioritize high-risk schools and move beyond simple physical barriers like doors and cameras. The approach will integrate risk analysis to address both the physical and psychological safety of students. The new measures aim to create a faster and more effective response to potential threats in educational institutions.

An assailant was apprehended after an attack on a political figure, with authorities stating the individual acted alone. The shooter has been identified as 31-year-old Cole Thomas. Donald Trump stated in a Tuesday morning CNBC interview that he expects a "great deal" to be reached regarding peace talks with Iran. He claimed the US has successfully neutralized Iranian naval capabilities. This optimistic tone follows recent threats to destroy Iranian civilization. Questions remain regarding the specific nature of the security breach. Secret Service personnel were observed bundling VIP members of the administration out of the venue. Observers noted the President appeared fatigued and shaken during his response to the chaos. The attacker had previously attempted to target the subject on two other occasions, including one instance where the subject was injured.

The Turkish National Intelligence Organization conducted a joint drug operation with the Syrian Ministry of Interior. The operation spanned from Alexandria to Beirut, Lebanon, and concluded in Syria. Intelligence indicated a large vessel carrying the shipment departed from Southeast Asia. The operation follows intelligence regarding a shipment passing through Alexandria, Egypt. Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi met with media editors in Istanbul to discuss border security and unsolved murders. Istanbul Police Department narcotics teams conducted simultaneous raids on 8 nightclubs and 4 other businesses. Authorities detained 94 suspects during the operation. The crackdown resulted in 106 people being detained and 89 individuals being arrested. The source stated that the target remains clear and net.

Police conducted simultaneous drug operations across 8 night clubs and 4 businesses in Istanbul. Police identified a water well being used as a storage depot for illegal materials. Officers seized the largest single quantity of components used for unlicensed weapon manufacturing recorded in Turkey. Four suspects were apprehended at the scene. The seizure specifically targeted parts used for the production of unregistered firearms. Officers recovered 3,092 parts used for manufacturing handguns and 1,869 slides along with various other weapon components. Multiple other various weapon components were also confiscated during the operation. Security sources confirmed that authorities successfully conducted an operation resulting in the seizure of 236 kilograms of narcotics. Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT) conducted a joint drug operation with the Syrian Ministry of Interior.