SECURITY forces in Ankara carried out sweeping raids today, ahead of next month’s Nato summit in the Turkish capital.

More than 200 people with suspected links to extremist groups, including Islamic State (Isis), were detained during the operation.

US President Donald Trump is expected to join other leaders of the 32‑member military alliance at the July 7–8 summit.

Turkey is planning strict security measures, including banning demonstrations and restricting access to roads leading to airports, as well as sealing off areas around the summit venue and hotels hosting delegations.

The government of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has prioritised security and authorities regularly carry out raids. 

Security forces detained 324 people in a nationwide sweep last month on suspicion of having links to Isis.

Early today, Turkish prosecutors issued detention orders for 241 suspects and 209 of them were later taken into custody in police and gendarmerie raids across Ankara, according to a statement from the chief prosecutor’s office. 

Among those held were 56 alleged Isis militants and 35 members of the Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party/Front, a left-wing group blamed for armed attacks and assassinations in Turkey.