ISTANBUL, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Seven Turkish policemen were injured after coming under gunfire during a counterterrorism operation targeting suspected Islamic State (IS) members in the northwestern province of Yalova, the public broadcaster TRT reported on Monday.
Provincial police units raided a residence in Elmalik village, where a clash erupted during the operation, said the report. Following the exchanges of fire, special operations police from the neighboring province of Bursa were deployed to support the raid, which "is continuing under heightened security measures in the surrounding area."
The injured were taken to hospital, and their conditions were reportedly stable.
Türkiye has stepped up operations against the IS in recent weeks, as intelligence assessments have warned of heightened security threats during the New Year holiday period.
Türkiye officially designated the IS group as a terrorist organization in 2013. ■
