In a recent report by the Anatolian News Agency, it’s revealed that a significant operation by Turkey’s National Intelligence and Security Organization has resulted in the detention of 17 members of ISIS’s Khorasan Province. This action signifies a harsh setback to the operations of this extremist faction, which had recently extolled its involvement in a terror attack on a church situated in Istanbul.
The news agency, in detailing this operation, mentioned that the intelligence efforts of the authorities in Istanbul were crucial in identifying the leader of the ISIS Khorasan Province and his cadre of terrorists. This intelligence gathered led to coordinated efforts with the police force in Istanbul to subsequently carry out arrests.
In this operation, the combined forces of Turkey’s National Intelligence and Security Organization and the local police managed to apprehend 17 suspects. The operation is seen as delivering a debilitating blow to this ISIS branch’s activities, including their recruitment efforts, financial backing, and logistical operations. Unfortunately, Turkish media hasn’t yet disclosed any specifics pertaining to the identities of these detained individuals.
The operation comes on the back of a tragic incident the previous Sunday, when two attackers staged an assault on a church located in Istanbul’s Sarıyer neighbourhood. This incident led to one unfortunate casualty. ISIS, in a later revelation, accepted responsibility for perpetrating the attack on the Italian church, Santa Maria, located in Istanbul, Turkey.
In the aftermath of the incident, Ali Yarlıkaşa, Turkey’s Interior Minister, had made an announcement that two individuals, who were suspected to be involved in the attack, were under detention. The detainees were disclosed to be Russian and Tajik nationals. Therefore, this new wave of detentions represents a major stride by the Turkish authorities towards creating a safer environment, one where extremist factions like ISIS Khorasan cannot operate without facing consequences.
While it is a significant operation in terms of its scale and the impact it has on ISIS Khorasan, it also signifies the relentless effort and the staunch commitment of the Turkish intelligence and law enforcement authorities. Despite the immense difficulty in pinpointing and apprehending members of such elusive and dangerous groups, these officials have managed to deal a significant blow to the terrorist group and undoubtedly saved many lives in the process.
Turkish authorities’ determination in fighting against ISIS Khorasan and similar extremist factions within its borders is commendable. This operation, along with the ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security, exemplifies Turkey’s unwavering stand against terrorism. Even as Turkish media is yet to reveal the identities of those arrested, their capture has most certainly disrupted the operations of ISIS Khorasan, at least in the short term. There’s no doubt that this intelligence-led operation serves as both a deterrent for future acts of terrorism and a comforting reassurance of safety to the citizens of Istanbul, and more broadly, Turkey.
Reference:
Khaama Press
