Ankara: Turkish police have detained 33 suspects believed to be members of the Islamic State (IS) in Istanbul and the southern province of Adana, media reports said on Sunday.
Earlier, anti-terrorism police initiated simultaneous operations across five districts in Istanbul, apprehending 10 suspected IS members, Xinhua reported citing the Dogan News Agency.
Local reports denote those detained were in contact with IS militants in conflict zones, frequently travelling to the region.
Another 23 suspects were incarcerated in Adana, including 16 foreigners aspiring to join the IS and seven Turkish citizens recruiting militants for the IS.
According to reports, anti-terrorism police embarked upon the operation following a tip-off that seven IS recruiters were about to expedite the journey of foreign women and children into territories under IS control.
The seven Turkish citizens suspected of recruiting militants for IS were arrested as per the tip-off, including a Russian woman and 15 Egyptians.
After undergoing medical checks, 16 foreigners were sent to the Directorate of Migration Management in preparation for their deportation, added the Daily News.