Turkish intelligence captures PKK-linked terrorist abroad

Türkiye’s security sources have reported the capture of a wanted terrorist by the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) in an undisclosed Middle Eastern country. 

The individual, identified as Kadir Çelik, is a member of the Maoist Communist Party (MKP) and has ties to the PKK terrorist group, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

Çelik, listed in the "gray category" of the Interior Ministry's most wanted list, was allegedly planning an attack targeting Türkiye. Following his capture, he was handed over to law enforcement authorities.

According to sources, Çelik was active in MKP's illegal operations in Istanbul from 2011 to 2016, during which he participated in firebomb attacks against security forces. In 2016, he moved to northern Iraq, where the PKK maintains strongholds, and received training in assassination techniques. By 2018, he had relocated to Syria to join the PKK’s Syrian affiliate, the YPG, engaging in armed operations.

In recent years, MIT has intensified its overseas operations against terrorist organizations, with a primary focus on the PKK and its affiliates. These efforts are concentrated in the northern regions of Iraq and Syria, where the PKK exploits the lack of security to establish a foothold. While MIT often relies on precision airstrikes and drones for counterterrorism operations, it occasionally captures suspects alive.

By Khagan Isayev