Twelve people suspected of having links to the so-called ’Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant’ (ISIL) takfiri group were taken into custody on Monday in an anti-terror operation in Istanbul.

Twelve people suspected of having links to the so-called 'Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant' (ISIL) takfiri group were taken into custody on Monday in an anti-terror operation in Istanbul, police have said.

The operation came after anti-terror officers received intelligence that ISIL members were planning suicide attacks in Turkey.

Officers raided 16 locations in 10 different districts of Istanbul simultaneously and seized a large amount of ammunition, digital documents and books.

One of the suspects was remanded in custody by the court to await trial. Three others have been released but must report regularly to police. Eight other suspects have been freed pending trial.

Police said they are continuing to work to capture five other suspects, who were not found in the operations.