Turkish intelligence warns against unrest amid rising ethnic tensions in Türkiye

Tensions have escalated in several Turkish cities, including Hatay, Gaziantep, Kayseri, Konya, Bursa and Istanbul, following an incident in which a Syrian national allegedly assaulted a 5-year-old Syrian child in Kayseri.

In response to the footage that emerged from Syria Monday evening, the Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT) issued a statement emphasizing that it would not tolerate any actions that compromise public order and that it would take legal action against those who incite unrest.

Security sources provided further details regarding the incidents that occurred Monday night. They reported disturbances in Hatay, Gaziantep, Kayseri, Konya, Bursa, and Istanbul’s Sultanbeyli district, noting that anti-Turkish demonstrations also took place on the Syrian side of the border.

According to the sources, both MIT and law enforcement agencies are closely monitoring the situation in Türkiye and northern Syria, and necessary interventions have been made.

The statement read, “Individuals engaging in activities against the Turkish Republic –those attempting to disrupt the order through provocative actions against Türkiye’s foreign policy – have been apprehended. Legal actions have been taken against these individuals. All persons involved in or inciting these events are being identified, and necessary legal measures are continuously being implemented.”