Clashes During ISIS Operation in Yalova Leave Seven Police Officers Injured, Broadcast Ban Imposed

Summary:

Seven Turkish police officers were injured during an overnight counterterrorism operation against the Islamic State (ISIS) in Yalova after suspects opened fire, triggering hours-long clashes. Authorities said none of the officers’ injuries were life-threatening. The media watchdog RTÜK imposed a temporary broadcast ban as security operations continued in the area.

Overnight Operation Turns Into Armed Clash

An operation targeting suspected ISIS militants in Türkiye’s northwestern province of Yalova escalated into armed clashes early Monday after suspects opened fire on police, officials said.

The operation was launched around 2:00 a.m. in Elmalık village, approximately nine kilometers from Yalova city center. Security forces surrounded the area, imposed entry and exit restrictions, and suspended access roads as fighting continued intermittently for several hours.

Residents reported hearing gunfire throughout the night, while authorities cut electricity and natural gas supplies in parts of the village as a precaution. Five schools in the surrounding area were closed for the day.

Seven Officers Injured, No Life-Threatening Wounds

Yalova Governor’s Office confirmed that seven police officers were wounded during the clashes. All injured officers were taken to hospital, and officials said their injuries were not life-threatening.

In a statement, the governor’s office said additional special operations units were deployed from the neighboring province of Bursa to reinforce local police. Helicopter support was also dispatched to assist the ongoing operation.

“Security measures and intervention efforts are continuing in a controlled manner with the support of reinforcement units,” the statement said.

Suspects Still Believed to Be Inside the Building

According to local media reports, at least three ISIS suspects are believed to be inside the building targeted by security forces. Police maintained a tight cordon around the area, redirecting vehicles and pedestrians to alternative routes while negotiations and tactical measures continued.

Broadcast Ban Announced by Media Regulator

Following the escalation, Türkiye’s broadcasting watchdog RTÜK announced a temporary broadcast ban related to the Yalova operation.

RTÜK said media outlets should refrain from reporting beyond official statements issued by authorities, warning that non-compliance could carry legal consequences. The regulator urged broadcasters to act in line with responsible journalism standards.

Separate ISIS Arrests in Malatya

In a separate development, Turkish authorities carried out another ISIS-related operation in the eastern city of Malatya. Milli İstihbarat Teşkilatı and police units detained a suspect identified as İbrahim Burtakuçin, who was allegedly preparing a suicide bombing attack around the New Year period.

Materials believed to be intended for use in a suicide attack were seized during searches of the suspect’s residence, authorities said. In a separate case in Malatya, three additional ISIS suspects were arrested and later remanded in custody by a court.

Markets Show No Immediate Reaction

Despite the security developments, financial markets showed little immediate reaction. The Turkish lira and Borsa Istanbul opened the day largely unchanged, according to market data, with no significant risk-off pricing observed in early trading.