Istanbul Courthouse Assault Leads to Nationwide Crackdown, 90 Arrests

Turkish authorities have arrested at least 90 individuals in connection with a violent assault on Istanbul’s main courthouse, escalating the crackdown on what is believed to be a terrorist attack. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, resulted in the death of two gunmen at the scene. These raids, targeting 67 locations throughout Istanbul, were initiated immediately following the attack, according to NTV, a local broadcaster.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya identified the attackers as affiliated with the Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party-Front (DHKP-C), a group officially banned in Turkey. The operation underscores the government’s commitment to addressing threats to public safety and national security.

In a related development, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has sharply criticized Özgür Özel, the chairman of the main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP). Erdoğan accused Özel, who assumed leadership of the CHP in November, of supporting the DHKP-C, labeling him the “biggest patron of the terrorists” behind the courthouse violence.

This incident has not only heightened security concerns but also intensified the political discourse in Turkey, pitting the ruling party against the opposition in the battle against terrorism.