Turkish Intelligence Arrests Senior ISIS Member Near Durand Line, Prevents Suicide Attacks

Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency has reported that Turkish intelligence forces have arrested a senior ISIS member near the Durand Line, a move that reportedly prevented suicide attacks in Turkey and several other countries.

According to the report, the detainee is named Mehmet Gören. He was identified through a covert operation and subsequently moved to Turkey. Turkish officials have yet to disclose details about the exact timing of the operation or the extent of cooperation from Afghan and Pakistani security agencies.

Anadolu states that this Turkish national appears to have been involved in planning and organizing suicide attacks not only in Turkey but also in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and some European countries. The source added that his arrest has provided Turkish intelligence with critical information regarding ISIS recruitment methods and the group’s future plans.

ISIS has previously claimed responsibility for deadly attacks in Turkey, including the armed assault on a nightclub in Istanbul on New Year’s Day 2017, which left dozens dead.

These developments come amid ongoing claims by the Taliban administration in Afghanistan that ISIS maintains safe havens and operational centers beyond the Durand Line—a claim that has consistently raised concerns among regional security agencies.