Turkey’s Interior Minister confirmed that police launched a raid in the Elmali district after intelligence indicated that IS militants were hiding in a residential house. As officers attempted to secure the location, militants opened fire, triggering an intense exchange of gunfire that later spread to nearby streets. Special operations units from the neighboring Bursa province were deployed to support local police.

According to officials, at least eight police officers and one neighborhood night guard were injured during the operation. The wounded were taken to nearby hospitals, where several were reported to be in stable condition. Authorities said the situation was brought under control after several hours, and the militants were neutralized.

As a precaution, authorities sealed off the affected neighborhood, suspending gas and electricity supplies and restricting civilian movement. Five schools in the area were closed for the day, while residents were advised to remain indoors. Broadcaster NTV reported that the security lockdown remained in place until the operation was fully concluded.

The incident comes against the backdrop of intensified counterterror efforts across Turkey. Just last week, police carried out coordinated raids in multiple provinces, detaining at least 115 suspected IS members. Officials said the group was allegedly planning attacks targeting Christmas and New Year celebrations and had circulated calls for violence, particularly against non-Muslims.

Turkey has faced repeated attacks linked to the Islamic State over the past decade, despite sustained security crackdowns. One of the deadliest incidents occurred on January 1, 2017, when a gunman attacked a nightclub in Istanbul during New Year celebrations, killing 39 people. Since then, Turkish authorities have expanded intelligence operations and border security to disrupt militant networks.

Security analysts note that while IS has lost territorial control in the Middle East, sleeper cells continue to pose a threat through sporadic attacks and plots. Monday’s clash underscores the challenges faced by Turkish security forces in preventing urban-based militant operations.

The interior ministry said investigations are ongoing to determine whether the Yalova cell had links to broader networks or planned imminent attacks. Officials reiterated that counterterror operations would continue nationwide to ensure public safety.