Senior DHKP-C terrorist detained in counterterror op in Istanbul


Police detained a senior Revolutionary People's Liberation Party-Front (DHKP-C) terrorist responsible for the armed propaganda wing of the terror group, in an operation carried out jointly with the National Intelligence Organization (MİT) in Istanbul Wednesday.

According to reports, police identified the address of the terrorist identified as G.S. and raided his home in Istanbul's Maltepe district on the Asian side.

Two weapons, 32 bullets, two encrypted laptops, and four encrypted memory cards were seized by police in the operations.

Meanwhile, police also carried out counter-terror raids in Sultangazi district but were unable to locate suspects in question.

The DHKP-C, although less influential in Turkey than other terrorist organizations such as the PKK, still represents a considerable threat to the country. Founded in 1978, the militant group was most active during the Cold War years, however, it has revived activities and attacks in recent years.

The group was behind the suicide bombing that targeted the United States Embassy in Ankara in 2013. Also in August 2015, two suspected members of the DHKP-C opened fire on the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul and fled when police returned fire.

The DHKP-C also claimed responsibility for non-lethal rocket attacks targeting the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) headquarters, the Turkish National Police headquarters and a Justice Ministry building in Ankara in 2013.