Turkey: Operation Targets Two Armed Gangs in Hatay, Multiple Arrests Made

An extensive police operation has targeted two prominent armed criminal organizations, identified as 'Çapinler' and 'Sasunlu,' in the Reyhanlı district of Hatay, Turkey. The operation, coordinated by the Reyhanlı Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and conducted by the Provincial Police Department's Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime Branch (KOM), aims to apprehend individuals involved in numerous violent incidents.

Investigations revealed that these groups, comprising family members and younger associates, have been implicated in at least 30 criminal cases. These offenses, spanning from 2024 to 2026, include intentional homicide, armed assault, property damage, threats, and violations of firearm laws. The intensity of criminal activity between the two groups has notably increased this year, with 12 out of 13 incidents involving firearms.

Technical and physical surveillance efforts identified vehicles and suspects linked to several incidents. The groups also used social media platforms to issue threats, insults, and spread fear among the public and each other, often sharing images of weapons and videos of shootings.

During simultaneous dawn raids on properties linked to 25 active suspects, authorities arrested 16 individuals, 5 from the Çapinler group and 11 from the Sasunlu group. Seized items included approximately 2.21 grams of skunk, a hunting rifle, an unlicensed pistol, pistol parts, magazines, cartridges, and knives. The arrested suspects have been taken into police custody for further interrogation.