Ten Turkish Islamic State suspects arrested in Syria in joint intelligence operation

17:15

Ten Turkish nationals suspected of links to the Islamic State group have been arrested in Syria during a joint intelligence operation involving Turkish and Syrian security services, according to Turkish state media reports.

The individuals were subject to Interpol Red Notices and were located as part of coordinated counterterrorism efforts between the two countries. Authorities stated that nine of the ten suspects were later returned to Turkey for further legal proceedings.

Security sources allege that the suspects were active members of Islamic State networks between 2014 and 2017. Officials did not disclose the exact location or timing of the arrests, citing ongoing security operations.

Among the suspects, one is believed to have possible links to the perpetrators of the 2015 suicide bombing at Ankara’s central railway station, one of the deadliest attacks in the country’s recent history. Other individuals are accused of involvement in planning or supporting attacks targeting Turkish military personnel deployed in northern Syria.

The coordinated operation highlights ongoing cooperation between regional intelligence agencies in combating extremist networks that continue to operate across borders despite the territorial defeat of Islamic State in Syria and Iraq.

Authorities continue to monitor suspected militant activity, emphasizing that counterterrorism efforts remain a priority for national security in both countries.