Attacks Prepared Against Sweden and Netherlands Consulates in Turkey; 15 People Arrested

Turkey's police have arrested 15 individuals on suspicion of having links to the extremist group 'Islamic State', according to Anadolu Agency referencing Istanbul police.

Turkish media reports indicate that a group of people has been detained for planning attacks against the Swedish and Netherlands consulates in Istanbul, as well as churches and synagogues. At the same time, Istanbul police have noted that they cannot confirm any 'specific threats'.

The investigation that led to the police operation reportedly revealed that the group may have received instructions from an IS branch known as 'Islamic State-Khorasan Province', operating in South and Central Asia.

Sweden and the Netherlands have become focal points of anger in Turkey after an anti-Muslim activist burned a sacred Islamic text in Stockholm. A similar act occurred in The Hague as well.

This week, a group of Western countries temporarily closed their consulates in Istanbul due to security concerns. In November, an explosion occurred on Istanbul's bustling Istiklal Avenue, located in the heart of the city and close to several foreign consulates, resulting in six deaths and multiple injuries. Turkish authorities have blamed the attack on Kurdish militants, who have denied any involvement.