Key Points
- Abu Yasar was wanted by Türkiye for his involvement in terrorist attacks
- Turkish media have lauded collaboration between Pakistan and Türkiye
- Daesh remains second biggest threat of terrorism for Türkiye
ISLAMABAD: Turkish authorities have confirmed the arrest of Abu Yasar al-Turki, a high-profile Daesh terrorist, with crucial help from Pakistani security agencies, Turkish media reported on Sunday.
He was wanted by Türkiye for his involvement in terrorist attacks on music concerts and for facilitating the movement of militants from Europe to Afghanistan, according to Daily Sabah.
Turkish media lauded the collaboration between Pakistani and Turkish intelligence agencies, describing the arrest as a significant blow to Daesh’s regional network.
Threat of terrorism
The National Intelligence Organisation (MIT) of Türkiye had thwarted the terrorist group’s efforts for recruitment, obtaining funds and logistics support after its latest operation in the aftermath of a church shooting in Istanbul in January 2024, according to Daily Sabah.
Daesh remains the second biggest threat of terrorism for Türkiye, which faces security risks from multiple terrorist groups and was one of the first countries to declare it a terrorist group in 2013, Daily Sabah reported.
In December last year, Turkish security forces detained 32 suspects over alleged links with Daesh, who were planning attacks on churches and synagogues, as well as the Iraqi Embassy.
