Arrest of Three Suspects in Planning Attack on Sexual Minorities in Turkey

Turkey has arrested a citizen of the country and two nationals from the Republic of Dagestan during investigations into a planned attack on a rally supporting sexual minorities. The detainees have been identified as members of the Islamic State (ISIS). According to a report by Agence France-Presse on Wednesday, June 22, these three individuals were apprehended during an operation last Friday. The Dogan news agency in Turkey also reported that security forces discovered suicide belts, military clothing, and daggers from the suspects. They are accused of planning and attempting to attack the rally of supporters and members of sexual minorities in Istanbul. The annual rally for sexual minorities in Turkey, which was supposed to take place last Sunday, was canceled due to increased threats from opposing groups. However, despite the announcement of the cancellation, a crowd of supporters of these minorities began to gather, and Istanbul police dispersed them. Istanbul authorities have also canceled another rally for supporters and members of sexual minorities that was scheduled for the upcoming Sunday. Several cities in Turkey, including Ankara, the capital, and Istanbul, have witnessed multiple explosions in recent months, resulting in dozens of casualties. Kurdish groups and the Islamic State (ISIS) have claimed responsibility for these explosions.