In a major international security operation, Turkish authorities have thwarted a potential terror plot targeting year-end celebrations. Simultaneously, India witnessed several critical incidents, from a tragic road accident to public safety alerts in urban areas.
Massive Counter-Terror Raid in Istanbul
The Istanbul Police Counter-Terrorism Department executed a large-scale operation on Thursday, December 26. Conducting simultaneous raids at 124 different locations, officers detained 115 individuals suspected of links to the Islamic State (ISIS).
According to the Istanbul chief public prosecutor’s office, the group was allegedly in the advanced stages of planning attacks aimed at Christmas and New Year events. The primary targets were believed to be gatherings of non-Muslim communities during the holiday season. Authorities had issued warrants for 137 suspects based on intelligence about a "call to action" from the extremist organisation.
During the raids, law enforcement seized a significant cache of evidence, including multiple firearms, ammunition, and organisational documents. While 115 suspects are now in custody, police confirmed that operations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining individuals.
Domestic Incidents Across Indian States
While the world focused on the terror plot in Turkey, several urgent situations unfolded across India on the same day.
Fatal Collision in Karnataka
In a heartbreaking road accident near Karnataka's Chikkaballapur, four labourers lost their lives on Thursday night. The victims were travelling on a single motorcycle from Chikkaballapur toward Ajjavara when they collided with a tipper truck near Ajjavara Gate. The impact proved fatal for all four individuals on the two-wheeler.
Police officials swiftly arrived at the scene to secure the area and begin a formal investigation. The vehicles involved have been impounded, and authorities are working to determine the precise cause of the collision and formally identify the deceased.
Leopard Sighting Causes Panic in Thane
A leopard sighting triggered alarm among residents in a densely populated area of Thane, Maharashtra, on Thursday afternoon. The big cat was spotted within the premises of a closed factory near Bethany Hospital on Pokhran Road No. 2.
Teams from the forest department and the Vartak Nagar police station were immediately deployed. Forest official Narendra Muthe stated that patrolling has been intensified and camera traps are being installed inside the factory to monitor the leopard's movements and ensure public safety.
Deadly Blast at Mysuru Palace
A tragic incident occurred at the historic Mysore Palace when a helium cylinder exploded near the Jayamarthanda gate at around 8:30 PM on Thursday. Mysuru Police Commissioner Seema Latkar reported that a balloon seller died instantly at the scene. His identity is currently being verified.
Four other people sustained injuries in the blast and were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. The explosion caused panic among tourists and locals near the palace. Police have cordoned off the area and launched an investigation to ascertain the cause of the cylinder failure.
Other Global Developments
In a separate international development, the Israeli military announced on Thursday that it killed Hussein Mahmoud Marshad al-Jawhari, a member of Iran's Quds Force, in an operation in Lebanon's Ansariyeh area. Israel identified him as a key operative involved in planning attacks from Syria and Lebanon. This strike occurs amid ongoing regional tensions.
These events underscore a day marked by significant security operations abroad and a series of urgent public safety and accident responses within India.
