Turkey's state broadcaster TRT reported on February 19 that the intelligence agencies of Turkey and Syria detained 10 individuals suspected of ties to the Islamic State (ISIL/ISIS) in a joint operation in Syria.
According to Turkey's National Intelligence Organization (MIT), the suspects were captured in a targeted operation during which Turkish and Syrian agents closely monitored their movements. The individuals are accused of involvement in terrorist attacks in Turkey.
Interpol has issued Red Notices for all 10 suspects. These international alerts, similar to arrest warrants, require law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and detain the suspects for extradition or surrender.
One suspect is alleged to have links to those responsible for the 2015 dual bombings in Ankara, Turkey's capital, which killed over 100 people. Another suspect, Ali Bora, is believed to have served as ISIL's intelligence commander in Turkey after joining the group in 2014.
During interrogations, the suspects reportedly confessed to being ISIL members and said they had received training and operational orders from the group.
Relations between Ankara and Damascus have strengthened since Syria's de facto leader, President Ahmed al-Sharaa, and his forces ousted long-time leader Bashar al-Assad.