Turkey Arrests Eight Students Over Alleged School Attack Plot

ISTANBUL (AP) — Turkish security forces arrested eight high school students in the western city of Izmir on Thursday, accusing them of plotting a terrorist attack at a local school as part of the extremist group Order of Nine Angles.

The arrests took place in the Torbalı district of Izmir province following a coordinated operation by the National Intelligence Organization and local police. Authorities stated the teenagers were in the final stages of preparing an assault targeting a high school campus.

The suspects, all identified as current high school students, were taken into custody without incident. Police seized various items during the raids, including digital devices and materials allegedly intended for the planned violence. The investigation is ongoing, with prosecutors reviewing the evidence to determine the extent of the plot and the involvement of other potential accomplices.

The Order of Nine Angles is a far-right extremist group known for its occult symbolism and violent ideology. The group has been designated as a terrorist organization by several governments due to its history of advocating for attacks on public institutions. Turkish officials have previously warned of the group's growing presence among disaffected youth in the region.

Local education authorities confirmed that the targeted school remained open during the operation, though security measures were heightened across the district. Parents and students were briefed on the situation, and school administrators assured the community that safety protocols were being strictly enforced.

The Turkish government has intensified its counter-terrorism efforts in recent months, citing a rise in domestic extremist activity. Officials emphasized that the arrest demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-sharing between security agencies and the importance of vigilance in preventing attacks on educational institutions.

Details regarding the specific nature of the planned attack remain under wraps as the investigation continues. Authorities have not disclosed whether the students were acting independently or under the direction of established cells within the Order of Nine Angles. Questions also remain about the extent of the group's network within Turkey and whether other plots are currently underway.

Prosecutors are expected to present the case to a judge within the next 48 hours to determine if the suspects will be formally charged and held for trial. The students' families have not yet made public statements, and legal representatives have not commented on the allegations.

This incident marks a significant escalation in the threat posed by the Order of Nine Angles in Turkey, raising concerns among security analysts about the group's ability to radicalize minors. The government has pledged to continue monitoring extremist networks and preventing any future attempts to target schools or other public venues.

As the legal process begins, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of students and staff across the country. Authorities have urged the public to report any suspicious activity related to extremist groups, emphasizing the role of community vigilance in national security efforts.