Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) announced the capture of 10 suspected Islamic State militants in Syria on May 23. The operation was conducted jointly with Syrian intelligence services and resulted in the suspects being brought to Turkey for questioning [1, 2, 3].
All 10 individuals are of Turkish origin. One of the detainees has been linked to the perpetrators of the 2015 Ankara train station bombing, an attack that killed more than 100 people. Another suspect served as the Islamic State group’s intelligence chief responsible for operations inside Turkey [1, 2, 3].
The suspects are accused of involvement in armed training, spreading propaganda, and planning or supporting attacks within Turkey. Interpol had issued Red Notices for all 10 individuals, making their capture significant for international law enforcement [1, 2].
During questioning, detainees admitted membership in ISIL and receiving training and operational instructions from the group’s leadership [2].
The National Intelligence Organization stated, "10 ISIS suspects, including one linked to the 2015 Ankara train station attack, were captured in Syria in a joint operation with Syrian intelligence" [3].
The arrest comes amid warming relations between Ankara and Damascus following recent political changes in Syria, which have allowed increased intelligence cooperation [2].
Turkey is expected to proceed with formal charges and further investigations into the suspects, including their connection to the 2015 Ankara bombing and ongoing terror activities within Turkey.
