Turkey: Major blow dealt to Daesh terrorists in June

MALATYA, Turkey

Turkish security forces successfully foiled planned attacks of terrorist Daesh organization in June with its active and resolute struggle.

According to Anadolu Agency’s compiled data, 206 suspects including so-called decision makers of the terrorist organization were taken into custody in June, while 77 of them were remanded into custody. Organizational documents were also confiscated during operations.

At least 67 out of 166 terrorists neutralized in June were members of Daesh, according to Turkey’s Interior Ministry.

Turkish authorities often use the word “neutralized" in statements to imply the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured. In January-June period, 467 of 1,296 suspects were remanded into custody.

In an operation in central Anatolian province of Kayseri, a so-called decision maker, who was identified as M.S.E – codenamed Sebhen -- was remanded into custody.

“Sebhen” was known to be responsible for terrorist group’s operations in Mosul, Iraq earlier.

He was also claimed to be responsible for terrorists recruited for mortar shelling in Mosul's Muhallebiye town.

Another seven suspects were taken into custody due to their so-called decision-making positions in southeastern Sanliurfa province. The suspects were claimed to be active in terrorist group’s Syria settlement.

Operations carried out in June

In southern Mersin-based operations, 19 suspects were also taken into custody due their links to Daesh terrorist organization. During operations in rural areas in Mersin, five depots including food, sleeping bags and backpacks were also found.

The suspects were claimed to be in preparation of terrorist attacks. 14 out of 19 suspects were later remanded into custody.

Turkish security forces took 31 suspects including foreigners into custody in Adana, Kayseri, Bursa, Samsun, Tekirdag and Samsun provinces.

In anti-terrorist operation in Black Sea Kocaeli province, two out of seven suspects were remanded into custody. In western Sakarya province five suspects were remanded into custody due their suspected links to Daesh.

In a separate anti-terrorist operation, two suspects were also remanded into custody who in suspicion of preparing a bomb attack.

In southern Hatay province, three suspects were remanded into custody while they were trespassing into the country illegally.

In an investigation against Daesh carried by Kocaeli’s chief public prosecutor's office, it is stated that members of the terrorist organization communicate via “TrueCrypt”, “Conversation” and “Chat With” applications in order not to be decrypted.

*Writing by Erdogan Cagatay Zontur