Dalena Reporters l December 22, 2025
Turkish security forces have arrested a senior member of the Daesh (ISIS) terror network in a major counter-terror intelligence operation, Anadolu Agency and security sources report. The suspect — identified as Mehmet Gören, also known by the nom de guerre “Yahya” was detained following months of targeted surveillance by Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organisation (MIT) and returned to Turkish territory for interrogation and further legal action.
According to security sources, investigators traced Gören’s movements after establishing that he had travelled from Türkiye to the Afghanistan–Pakistan region, where he underwent training and rose within Daesh’s ranks to a senior operational role. He is accused of facilitating the transfer of fighters from Turkey into that volatile theatre of operations and was allegedly assigned by the group to carry out suicide attacks targeting civilians in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Türkiye and several European countries.
Intelligence units reportedly tracked Gören for months after he survived air strikes against extremist positions and went into hiding. Once located, MIT conducted a technical and physical surveillance operation, culminating in his safe capture and repatriation to Türkiye. During questioning, the suspect allegedly provided information on his links to Ozgur Altun (“Abu Yasir al-Turki”), another detained terror figure, as well as details of training, recruitment networks, and operational planning used by Daesh.
Turkish authorities say the arrest has helped disrupt ongoing terror plots, expose extremist recruitment channels, and provide intelligence critical to counter-terror efforts not only in Türkiye but potentially in regions where Daesh maintains a presence.
The operation marks a notable success in Türkiye’s long-running campaign against Islamist extremist groups, reflecting continued cooperation between Turkish security services and international partners focused on dismantling transnational terror networks.
Published by Dalena Reporters.