Major counterterrorism operations target PKK/YPG, Daesh and FETO in Türkiye
Personnel of the Special Forces Command, the most elite unit of the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF), take part in paramedic level training to overcome challenging situations during operations in Ankara, Turkiye on November 15, 2024. (AA Photo)
Türkiye’s law enforcement agencies have successfully conducted major counterterrorism operations targeting three distinct terrorist organizations: PKK/YPG, Daesh and Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO).
These operations, which spanned multiple provinces, led to the arrest of 78 suspects involved in various illegal activities, including terrorism and terrorism-related propaganda.
PKK/YPG operation in Izmir: 10 detained
In Izmir, 10 suspects were arrested as part of an operation against the PKK/YPG terrorist group. The Izmir Public Prosecutor’s Office issued arrest warrants for the individuals accused of spreading terrorist propaganda on social media and participating in terrorist organization meetings abroad.
The operation was coordinated by the Izmir Police Department’s Counterterrorism Unit, which carried out raids on several locations. During the searches, authorities discovered digital materials related to the organization.
The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation, and legal proceedings are underway.
Daesh-related ‘Gurz-26’ operation: 20 arrested
A nationwide operation named “Gurz-26” targeting the Daesh terrorist group resulted in the arrest of 54 individuals across 18 provinces.
According to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, 20 of the suspects have been formally arrested, while 11 are under judicial control. Investigations continue for the remaining individuals.
The operation was carried out in coordination with the prosecutors of provinces including Afyonkarahisar, Aydin, Bursa, and Istanbul.
Authorities said the arrested suspects are accused of terrorism-related offenses, such as membership in a terrorist organization, aiding and abetting the organization, and engaging in terrorist propaganda on social media.
Minister Yerlikaya reaffirmed Türkiye‘s commitment to fighting terrorism in all its forms, emphasizing that the country’s security forces would continue to take strong action against groups like Daesh.
FETO operation in Istanbul: Lawyer arrested
In another significant development, authorities in Istanbul arrested Seyfullah Tosun, a lawyer and son of the wanted FETO figure Naci Tosun, during an operation targeting FETO.
Tosun was found to have maintained communication with the organization’s senior leadership and was involved in coordinating activities in Istanbul.
The arrest followed a detailed investigation revealing his connection to the group’s operations, including his involvement in the closure of Fatih University, which was linked to FETO.
Following his arrest, Tosun was brought before the court and placed in detention. Authorities continue to investigate his role within the network.
