Turkish intelligence agents reportedly captured Mehmet Goren, a senior member of the Islamic State‑Khorasan branch, in the Afghanistan–Pakistan border area and transferred him to Turkey. Anadolu Agency says the covert operation disrupted planned suicide attacks and exposed IS‑K recruitment methods. It remains unclear when the arrest occurred and whether Afghan or Pakistani authorities were involved.
Turkish Intelligence Arrests Senior IS‑K Operative Near Afghanistan–Pakistan Border, Anadolu Agency Says
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkish intelligence agents say they captured a senior member of the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS‑K) branch in the border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan in what Anadolu Agency described as a covert operation that disrupted planned suicide attacks targeting Turkey and other countries.
Operation Details
Anadolu Agency identified the suspect as Mehmet Goren, a Turkish national whom it said rose through IS‑K’s ranks. According to the report, Goren was detained in the border area and subsequently transferred to Turkey. The agency said the arrest revealed the group's recruitment methods and provided intelligence on planned operations.
What Is Unclear
The report did not specify when the operation occurred or whether Afghan or Pakistani authorities were involved. Reuters and other international outlets have not independently verified the details provided by Anadolu Agency.
Background
IS‑K, the Afghanistan‑based branch of Islamic State, has been linked to numerous attacks across the region and beyond. Islamic State has previously carried out deadly attacks in Turkey, including the Jan. 1, 2017, shooting at an Istanbul nightclub that killed 39 people.
Note: The information in this article is based on Anadolu Agency’s reporting. Turkish and international authorities have not publicly confirmed all operational details.
