Turkish security forces arrested more than 200 people suspected of links to the Islamic State and other groups deemed terrorist organizations by Ankara, prosecutors said. Arrest warrants were issued for 241 individuals, with 209 detained and 32 still at large.

The crackdown comes as Turkey prepares for the NATO summit in Ankara on July 7-8, where US President Donald Trump and leaders of the other 31 member states are expected to attend. The government has implemented security measures and stepped up policing.

Among those arrested, 56 are alleged members of the Islamic State group, and 35 are members of the Revolutionary People's Liberation Party/Front (DHKP-C), a communist group designated a terrorist organization by Turkey that has claimed responsibility for past attacks.

In a separate operation coordinated by prosecutors in Istanbul, 24 people were arrested across eight provinces, Turkish media reported.

Turkey has long faced violent threats from several internal dissident groups, and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government frequently carries out security sweeps. Last month, a nationwide sweep targeting Islamic State suspects resulted in 324 arrests.

Ankara authorities have announced a ban on public demonstrations starting June 28 until the summit concludes. Access to roads leading to airports will be restricted, and areas around the summit venue and hotels hosting delegations will be sealed off.

Source: www.dw.com