A suspect of Turkish origin, who is believed to be an ISIS militant and thought to have helped ISIS abduct Turkish soldier Sefer Taş, was captured in the province of Kilis.
Taş was captured following a clash between Turkish security forces and ISIS-affiliated smugglers in the southern province of Kilis on Sept. 1.
In the wake of terrorist activities near the Syrian border, the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) launched operations against smugglers, who retaliated against the TSK. Security forces found out after operations that the smugglers are affiliated with ISIS and receive assistance from the terrorist group.
Turkish soldiers patrolling in Yavuzlu village in Kilis clashed with ISIS-affiliated smugglers on Sept. 1. While Yusuf Beylam, who was a private in the unit patrolling the area, was killed in the clash, it was initially reported that Taş was lost. Later on, reports concerning the soldier indicated that Taş had been abducted by ISIS militants and taken to Raqqa, the capital of ISIS where he is held captive in prison.
As attempts to return the abducted Turkish soldier continue, an operation against smugglers who tried to sneak into Turkey from northern Syria was launched on Friday in the Elbeyli district in Kilis. Three suspects were captured and interrogated later on by a special team, including the National Intelligence Organization (MİT), gendermarie and police department members.
The interrogation revealed that one of the suspects is reportedly a key ISIS figure and helped the terrorist group abduct Taş on Sept. 1. While the name of the suspect was not disclosed, he has been in Turkey illegally a couple of times, official sources told Turkish media.
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