Turkish Forces Arrest ISIS Terrorist during Intelligence Operation in Syria

A Turkish special forces police officer guards the entrance of the Presidential Palace in Ankara. (Reuters file photo)
A Turkish special forces police officer guards the entrance of the Presidential Palace in Ankara. (Reuters file photo)
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Turkish Forces Arrest ISIS Terrorist during Intelligence Operation in Syria

A Turkish special forces police officer guards the entrance of the Presidential Palace in Ankara. (Reuters file photo)
A Turkish special forces police officer guards the entrance of the Presidential Palace in Ankara. (Reuters file photo)

Turkey has announced arresting a wanted ISIS terrorist during an intelligence operation in Syria.

Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) launched an operation to arrest Kasim Guler, also known as Abu Usame al Turki, who was allegedly planning for a large-scale terrorist attack in Turkey by illegally crossing the border from Syrian territory with arms and explosives.

Guler, who is responsible for activities in Turkey, is in the red category of the Interior Ministry’s wanted terrorists' list.

According to Turkish security sources, many documents and confidential information were obtained in his possession.

The ISIS element moved to border areas between Afghanistan and Pakistan during the period from 2008 until 2012 and later joined ISIS in 2014.

In other news, the anti-terrorism police arrested 17 people on Tuesday over their suspected links to ISIS.

The operations were conducted in four states, namely Diyarbakir, Bursa, Mugla, and Malatya.

Diyarbakir prosecutor had previously issued arrest warrants for 19 people, the sources noted, adding that security forces are still looking for the other two.

Forces seized in their possession pistols, digital documents, and banned books, the sources said.

Turkey witnessed attacks by ISIS militants in the country that killed over 300 people in 2015 and 2016.



Macron Announces Joint French-German Defense Council

French President Emmanuel Macron (R) welcomes German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (L) at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, 07 May 2025. EPA/HANNIBAL HANSCHKE
French President Emmanuel Macron (R) welcomes German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (L) at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, 07 May 2025. EPA/HANNIBAL HANSCHKE
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Macron Announces Joint French-German Defense Council

French President Emmanuel Macron (R) welcomes German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (L) at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, 07 May 2025. EPA/HANNIBAL HANSCHKE
French President Emmanuel Macron (R) welcomes German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (L) at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, 07 May 2025. EPA/HANNIBAL HANSCHKE

French President Emmanuel Macron announced Wednesday the creation of a "French-German defense and security council" as Germany's new Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Paris.

"We will set up a French-German defense and security council to meet regularly to bring operational responses to our common strategic challenges," Macron said at a joint press conference, as Europe seeks to boost its defenses amid Russia's war against Ukraine and doubts over US security commitments to Europe.

Macron said that he doubted Vladimir Putin would respect a three-day truce in Ukraine and wondered if the Russian leader was "serious" about a durable peace.

"Beyond the three days promised, which will undoubtedly not be respected, like the previous ones, is the Russian president finally serious?" Macron said at the news conference. "Will he finally decide to keep his word, especially the promises he made in his discussions with the US administration? That is what matters to us."

Merz said for his part he was hopeful that a permanent ceasefire could be agreed soon for Ukraine but held back on making any commitments for Ukraine's security.
"We will be there to accompany this 30-day cease fire and build a lasting and solid peace. And we (France and Germany) are in close contact," Macron added.