31 suspects arrested in anti-Daesh operation in Istanbul
Turkish counter terrorism forces conducting an operation. (AA Photo)
Turkish authorities arrested 31 suspects in Istanbul as part of an investigation into the activities of the illegal ‘Mediterranean Association for the Propagation of Beneficial Sciences and Islam’ (AHIDDER) network linked to the Daesh terrorist organization, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office announced Tuesday.
Investigation uncovers illegal funding network
The investigation, led by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office’s Bureau of Terror and Organized Crime, revealed that funds collected by the AHIDDER network were being funneled to Daesh camps in Syria.
The funds were allegedly sent to camps controlled by the PKK/YPG terrorist organizations. One of the key suspects, using the alias “Mustafa Yakupoglu,” was identified as being involved in efforts to recruit followers and raise money for these activities.
31 suspects arrested in coordinated raids
A total of 35 suspects were identified as having participated in these activities and establishing ties with the terrorist organization. Early Tuesday morning, law enforcement launched simultaneous raids at 37 locations across Istanbul.
As a result, 31 suspects were apprehended, while efforts to locate the remaining suspects are ongoing.
