Türkiye detains three suspected terrorists linked to European structure of PKK/KCK

In a joint operation by Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MİT) and the police departments of Istanbul and Balıkesir, three suspected terrorists linked to the European structure of the PKK/KCK have been apprehended.

According to sources within security forces, the three sisters had been under MİT surveillance for an extended period, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

Zeynep Taşkıran and Zubeyde Taşkıran, who were active in the European wing of the PKK/KCK, were arrested in Istanbul, while Hatın Şahbaz was detained in Balıkesir. Following their arrest, they were taken into custody by judicial authorities.

Investigations revealed that Zeynep Taşkıran had participated in actions and events organized against Türkiye within the PKK/KCK framework in France. Hatın Şahbaz was reportedly involved in propaganda activities during key dates for the PKK/KCK, particularly in Cologne and Paris.

Furthermore, it was disclosed that Zubeyde Taşkıran, who had previously worked in the PKK/KCK’s rural headquarters, changed her name after obtaining German citizenship and continued her organizational activities under the alias Deniz Taşkıran.

The operation has provided significant information regarding the European structure of the PKK/KCK, highlighting the group’s ongoing activities across various regions in Europe. This coordinated effort underscores Türkiye’s commitment to combating terrorism and dismantling networks linked to the PKK/KCK both domestically and internationally.

In its roughly 40-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, and EU – has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. It began an armed insurgency against the Turkish state in 1984.

PKK's ideology is founded on revolutionary Marxism-Leninism and separatist ethno-nationalism. It wants to suppress the diversity of Türkiye, prevent participation and integration of Türkiye’s citizens of Kurdish origin and intimidate the people in the region. PKK’s primary targets include police, military, economic, and social assets in Türkiye. It also attacks civilians and diplomatic and consular facilities. PKK is also involved in extortion, arms smuggling, and drug trafficking.

By Khagan Isayev