According to reports, Turkish authorities have arrested 33 individuals on suspicion of participating in espionage activities for the Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency. The anti-terrorism bureau of the Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office conducted the operation, which involved raids at 57 locations in eight provinces, and a search for 13 additional suspects is still ongoing.
According to the state-run Anadolu Agency, the suspects are believed to have been engaged in monitoring, surveilling, and potentially attacking or kidnapping foreign nationals residing in Turkey as part of “international espionage operations.” The agency did not disclose its sources but emphasized that the individuals were allegedly gathering information through Palestinian and Syrian citizens in Turkey.
This recent development follows Turkey’s arrest of 15 individuals in May, also linked to Mossad, suspected of collecting information through Palestinian and Syrian citizens residing in Turkey. The arrests were made as part of an investigation conducted by the Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The Turkish police carried out coordinated raids as part of the ongoing crackdown on what the authorities perceive as espionage activities threatening national security. The nature of the alleged espionage operations suggests a focus on international intelligence gathering, posing potential risks to foreign residents in Turkey.
The earlier arrests in May and the recent detentions highlight growing tensions between Turkey and Israel, with accusations of covert operations and intelligence activities being conducted on Turkish soil. The intensification of such actions may strain diplomatic relations further between the two countries.
The identities of the suspects and specific details of the espionage allegations have not been disclosed due to legal restrictions. The investigation is expected to shed light on the extent of Mossad’s alleged activities in Turkey and the motives behind the espionage operations.
As the situation unfolds, the international community will likely monitor developments closely, considering the potential implications for regional stability and diplomatic ties between Turkey and Israel. The Turkish government’s commitment to combating alleged espionage activities underscores its determination to protect national security and the safety of foreign nationals residing within its borders.