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Türkiye Puts Nine Suspects on Trial for Collaboration with Mossad

A photo distributed by the Istanbul Security Directorate last month of those accused of spying for Mossad.
A photo distributed by the Istanbul Security Directorate last month of those accused of spying for Mossad.
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Türkiye Puts Nine Suspects on Trial for Collaboration with Mossad

A photo distributed by the Istanbul Security Directorate last month of those accused of spying for Mossad.
A photo distributed by the Istanbul Security Directorate last month of those accused of spying for Mossad.

Turkish authorities have forwarded nine suspects to trial on Monday for alleged collaboration with Israel's Mossad intelligence agency.
The prosecution accuses them of "selling intelligence to operatives affiliated with the Mossad."
Acting on warrants issued by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, police anti-terror and intelligence branch officers carried out raids in Istanbul and Izmir, arresting seven suspects.
Two other suspects in the investigation were thought to have been detained earlier.
According to security sources, the Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT) gathered intelligence indicating that Mossad was conducting surveillance activities within Türkiye through private investigators. The suspects allegedly engaged in monitoring, photographing, and tracking designated targets on behalf of Mossad.
The ongoing investigation by Istanbul's public prosecution implicates the nine suspects in the illicit exchange of intelligence with Mossad through intermediary operatives.
Playing with fire
Türkiye warned of the potential escalation of tensions between the United States and Iran amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
During an interview on Sunday, Turkish Minister Hakan Fidan said, "We need to avoid the spread (of confrontation) in the region. The situation is not good”.
He added that both parties are “playing with fire.”
Fidan said that Israel prioritizes territorial expansion over its security, adding that it will feel safe after it stops "telling lies” and gives Palestinians their state.
He characterized the residents of Gaza as "hostages," adding that Israel imposes restrictions on their movement and access to humanitarian aid while also targeting infrastructure and essential services.
The Turkish minister asserted that one of Hamas' objectives is to release the hostages in exchange for a permanent ceasefire. However, he expressed skepticism about Israel's commitment to such an agreement, citing its reluctance to pursue a lasting ceasefire.

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Ukraine Has Lost over 40% of Land It Seized in Russia’s Kursk Region, Senior Kyiv Military Source Says

A still image taken from an undated handout video released by the Russian Defense Ministry Press-Service on 22 November 2024 shows Russian military volunteers of the “Bars-Kursk” formation patrolling in the village of Korenevo, Kursk region, Russia. (EPA/Russian Defense Ministry Press-Service Handout)
A still image taken from an undated handout video released by the Russian Defense Ministry Press-Service on 22 November 2024 shows Russian military volunteers of the “Bars-Kursk” formation patrolling in the village of Korenevo, Kursk region, Russia. (EPA/Russian Defense Ministry Press-Service Handout)
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Ukraine Has Lost over 40% of Land It Seized in Russia’s Kursk Region, Senior Kyiv Military Source Says

A still image taken from an undated handout video released by the Russian Defense Ministry Press-Service on 22 November 2024 shows Russian military volunteers of the “Bars-Kursk” formation patrolling in the village of Korenevo, Kursk region, Russia. (EPA/Russian Defense Ministry Press-Service Handout)
A still image taken from an undated handout video released by the Russian Defense Ministry Press-Service on 22 November 2024 shows Russian military volunteers of the “Bars-Kursk” formation patrolling in the village of Korenevo, Kursk region, Russia. (EPA/Russian Defense Ministry Press-Service Handout)

Ukraine has lost over 40% of the territory in Russia's Kursk region that it captured in a surprise incursion in August as Russian forces have mounted waves of counter-assaults, a senior Ukrainian military source said.

The source, who is on Ukraine's General Staff, said Russia had deployed 59,000 troops to the Kursk region since Kyiv's forces swept in and advanced swiftly, catching Moscow unprepared 2-1/2 years into its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

"At most, we controlled about 1,376 square kilometers (531 square miles), now of course this territory is smaller. The enemy is increasing its counterattacks," the source said.

"Now we control approximately 800 square kilometers (309 square miles). We will hold this territory for as long as is militarily appropriate."

With the thrust into Kursk, Kyiv aimed to stem Russian attacks in eastern and northeastern Ukraine, force Russia to pull back forces gradually advancing in the east and give Kyiv extra leverage in any future peace negotiations.

But Russian forces are still advancing in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he believed Russian President Vladimir Putin's main objectives were to occupy the entire Donbas, which consists of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, and oust Ukrainian troops from the Kursk region.

"For Putin, the most important thing is to push us out of the Kursk region. I am sure that he wants to push us out by January 20," Zelenskiy told media, referring to when Donald Trump will be inaugurated as US president. "It is very important for him (Putin) to demonstrate that he is in control of the situation."

The source at the Ukrainian General Staff source reiterated that about 11,000 North Korean troops had arrived in the Kursk region in support of Russia, but that the bulk of their forces was still finalizing their training.

The Russian Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Reuters could not independently verify the figures or descriptions given.

Moscow, which occupies about a fifth of Ukraine, has not confirmed or denied the presence of North Korean forces in Kursk region.

RUSSIAN ADVANCE IN EASTERN UKRAINE

The General Staff source said the Kurakhove region was the most threatening for Kyiv now as Russian forces were advancing there at 200-300 meters (yards) a day and had managed to break through in some areas.

The town of Kurakhove is a stepping stone towards the logistical hub of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region.

Russia has about 575,000 troops fighting in Ukraine now, the source said, and aims to increase its forces to around 690,000.

Russia does not disclose numbers involved in its fighting. Reuters could not verify those figures.

Ukraine has sought to disrupt Russian logistics and supply chains by hitting Russian weapons and ammunition depots, airfields, and other military targets inside Russia.

After US President Joe Biden allowed Kyiv to fire US-supplied missiles at targets deep inside Russia, Ukraine last week fired US ATACMS and British Storm Shadow cruise missiles into Russia.

On Thursday, Russia launched a new medium-range ballistic missile into the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, in a likely warning to NATO.

Ukrainian officials are holding talks with the United States and Britain on new air defense systems capable of protecting Ukrainian cities and civilians from the new longer-range aerial threats.

The Ukrainian General Staff source said the military had implemented measures to bolster air defenses over Kyiv and planned similar steps for Sumy in the north and Kharkiv in the northeast.