Yalova

Turkish security forces killed six Islamic State militants and lost three police officers during a prolonged gun battle in the northwestern town of Yalova on Monday, authorities said, showing Ankara’s intensified campaign against the extremist group ahead of the year end holiday period.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said the clash erupted during a counterterrorism raid on a suspected militant hideout near the Sea of Marmara, south of Istanbul. The operation came just days after police detained more than 100 suspected Islamic State members accused of plotting attacks around Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The deaths highlight renewed security pressure in …