Turkey Intensifies Security Operations Ahead of NATO Summit, Dozens Detained

Turkish security forces have escalated operations before the NATO summit scheduled for July 7-8 in Ankara. According to local media reports on Sunday, raids in Ankara, Istanbul, and several other provinces have led to dozens of arrests, including journalists and left-wing activists. The operations primarily targeted socialists, left-wing activists, trade unions, and civil society groups, as reported by opposition newspaper Cumhuriyet and broadcaster Halk TV.

Among those detained are two editors from news portals T24 and Oda TV, both known for their critical stance toward the government. The Turkish Journalists' Association and the Progressive Lawyers Association called for their release on platform X, stating that the arrests violate press freedom and are an attempt to intimidate the opposition before the summit.

State news agency Anadolu reported that 39 people were detained in raids across eight provinces on suspicion of links to the youth wing of the banned group THKP/C-DEV YOL. In a separate operation in Kocaeli province, police arrested 28 individuals suspected of ties to the Islamic State and leftist groups. Authorities confiscated ammunition and prohibited digital materials during the raids.

Critics argue that the operations aim to prevent protests and suppress dissidents, while authorities describe them as part of counterterrorism efforts. From June 28 to July 10, demonstrations and public gatherings have been banned, as leftist extremists plan anti-NATO protests. The summit is also expected to be attended by U.S. President Donald Trump.