Turkey arrests 21 suspected Islamic State membersJuly 10, 2015 - 19:30 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkey on Friday, July 10, detained 21 suspected members of the Islamic State group, including three foreigners, in a major operation in several cities including Istanbul, state media said, according to AFP. Police detained the suspects in pre-dawn raids in several addresses in Istanbul, as well as Sanliurfa province near the Syrian border, southern Mersin province and Kocaeli province east of Istanbul. The detainees are suspected of helping the jihadist group recruit people from Europe as well as helping them travel to Syria, the official Anatolia news agency said. The foreigners, whose nationalities were not immediately clear, were planning to cross into Syria to fight for IS, which follows a fundamentalist version of Islam. The operation appeared to be the largest one yet targeting IS suspects in Turkey, with arrests in the megacity Istanbul for the first time. Arrest warrants were issued for at least 30 suspects, Anatolia said, adding that police also seized two hunting rifles, scores of bullets, documents belonging to IS as well electronic equipment and military uniforms. Video footage showed bearded suspects with their right index finger pointing upward -- a gesture used by IS members referring to the unity of God -- as they were being led away by plain clothes police officers. Asked by a reporter why they thought they were being detained, one suspect said: "Because you are kuffars (the infidel) targeting Muslims." Another young man ironically said: "Because we're terrorists!" Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | About 32,000 rally in Yerevan to deman Pashinyan’s resignation About 31,700 people attended an opposition rally on Thursday, May 9 in Yerevan demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Armenian, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister to meet in Almaty Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov will meet in Almaty. Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015. Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents. |