Turkey nabs 13 terrorist suspects with Daesh links
Counterterrorism squads carry out an operation in Istanbul, June 5, 2021. (AA File Photo)


Turkish security forces detained 13 suspects for allegedly aiding and abetting Daesh terrorists in Syria, the Interior Ministry said Monday.

The ministry noted that the suspects carried out activities for the terrorist group in Syria’s al-Bab, Jarablus and Azez regions and provided financial support for the terrorists.

Turkey was one of the first countries to declare Daesh a terrorist group in 2013.

The country has since been attacked by Daesh terrorists multiple times. The group has carried out at least 10 suicide bombings, seven bomb attacks and four armed attacks, killing over 300 people and injuring hundreds more.

In response, Turkey launched anti-terror operations at home and abroad to prevent further attacks.

Turkey detained Daesh's so-called "Turkey emir," Mahmut Özden, in August. He was planning to carry out an attack on the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque and target politicians, nongovernmental organization (NGO) heads and other prominent figures in Turkey, according to the official investigation.