Turkish and Syrian intelligence detain 10 ISIL suspects in joint Syria operation
Turkish and Syrian intelligence services arrested 10 individuals suspected of ISIL (Daesh) ties in a joint operation in Syria, security sources said on May 23. The suspects, wanted under Interpol Red Notices, were brought to Türkiye and include a figure linked to the 2015 Ankara train station bombing that killed 109 people. Nine of the detainees were arrested by a Turkish court after questioning, while one remained in custody with procedures ongoing.
Turkish and Syrian intelligence services arrested 10 individuals suspected of ISIL (Daesh) ties in a joint operation in Syria, security sources said on May 23. The operation was carried out by Türkiye's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and Syrian intelligence forces. Interpol had issued Red Notices for all 10 individuals. The suspects were brought to Türkiye following the operation.
Nine of the suspects were arrested by a Turkish court after questioning, while one remained in custody with procedures ongoing. Security sources said the suspects were Turkish nationals who had crossed into Syria in previous years to join Daesh and later became active within the group's structure. During questioning, the detainees allegedly admitted they were ISIL members and had received training and operational instructions from the group.
Among those detained was Ömer Deniz Dündar, whom authorities said had links to the perpetrators of the 2015 Ankara train station bombing. The twin bombings killed 109 people and wounded hundreds more. Officials said fingerprint evidence from explosive devices found on suicide bombers during counterterrorism operations in 2017 was linked to Dündar.
Ali Bora, identified as an alleged Daesh intelligence figure for Türkiye, joined the group in Syria in 2014 and served in the Farouk Office, also referred to as the group's "Türkiye province." Security sources said Bora was involved in planning attacks against Turkish Armed Forces elements.
Hüseyin Peri allegedly worked in Daesh's health unit after joining the group in Syria in 2014. Security sources said he was later detained by the YPG, the Syrian branch of the PKK terrorist group, and released in a prisoner exchange before resuming activities with Daesh.
Kadir Gözükara and Abdullah Çobanoğlu were accused of supporting logistics and propaganda operations. Hakkı Yüksek was described as a close aide to Mustafa Dokumacı, the alleged leader of a Daesh-linked network blamed for attacks in Türkiye. Other detainees, including Kadir Demir, Çekdar Yılmaz, Murat Özdemir and Ishak Günci, were accused of participating in armed activities and administrative or media operations in Syria after pledging allegiance to Daesh.