Turkish intelligence conduct joint operation against PKK/YPG network in Europe

Three members of the same family, involved in the European branch of the PKK/YPG/KCK terror organization, were arrested in a joint operation led by Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and local police forces in Istanbul and Balikesir.

Operation targets PKK/YPG/KCK’s European network

According to security sources, MIT had been monitoring three siblings, identified as key members of the PKK/YPG/KCK’s European operations. Zeynep Taskiran and Zubeyde Taskiran were arrested in Istanbul, while Hatin Sahbaz was detained in Balikesir. The operation was part of a long-term investigation into the group’s activities.

Kurdish Communities Union (KCK) is an umbrella body of the PKK terrorist group and its Syrian and Iranian offshoots.

Involvement in European propaganda, activism

Zeynep Taskiran was found to have participated in anti-Türkiye activities organized by the PKK/YPG/KCK in France, while Hatin Sahbaz was involved in propaganda campaigns in Germany and France, particularly in Cologne and Paris.

Zubeyde Taskiran, who had previously been part of the rural branch of the PKK/YPG/KCK, had obtained German citizenship and continued her activities under the name “Denise Taskiran.”

The operation has provided Turkish authorities with significant information regarding the PKK/YPG/KCK’s activities in Europe. Authorities are continuing efforts to apprehend two additional suspects believed to be outside Türkiye.

6 suspects arrested in Izmir-led operation against Daesh

In a coordinated operation led by authorities in Izmir, six individuals were arrested across seven provinces as part of an ongoing investigation into the financing of the terrorist organization Daesh. The operation targeted suspects believed to be involved in the group’s financial network.

Through technical and physical surveillance, authorities identified nine suspects linked to the terror group. Raids were conducted simultaneously in seven cities, resulting in the arrest of six individuals. Two additional suspects were found to be abroad, and efforts to apprehend them are ongoing.