Police in five cities captured 26 suspected members of the terrorist group Daesh after a months-long operation that started in the eastern city of Bingöl. Suicide vests, rifles and fuses used in explosives as well as scopes for sniper rifles were found in the suspects' possession.

The operations were held in cooperation with the intelligence service and wrapped up on Dec. 28, 2017 but only made public yesterday. A 17-year-old teenager among the suspects was released, while others are still being held for questioning.

The suspects were captured in Istanbul, the southern city of Adana, the western city of İzmir and Kilis, a province bordering war-torn Syria. Turkish security forces have been involved in a long-running campaign to thwart Daesh attacks.

More than 300 people have lost their lives in Daesh-claimed attacks in Turkey, where the terrorist group has targeted civilians in suicide bombings and rocket-and-gun attacks. The country's efforts against Daesh made it a primary target for the terrorist group, which has carried out numerous gun and bomb attacks.