ISIS activities in Turkey confirmed by Governor's report
ANF - ANKARA05.05.2014 14:30:30
A reported submitted by Hatay Governor Celalettin Lekesiz to the Interior Ministry confirms that Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) gangs from Syria use Turkey like a back yard. The Hatay Governor complains in his report of increasing ISIS activity and requests that preventive measures be taken.
It has been no secret for quite some time that Turkey is providing support to armed groups in Syria. It recently emerged that gangs that receive shelter, arms and financial and intelligence backing from Turkey for their attacks on Kurds, were supported in their attack on the predominantly Armenian town of Kasab. It was reported that the Al Qaeda affiliated groups gained access to the town via Turkey.
They pass from Turkey into Syria
According to the Bugün newspaper, the Governor of Hatay has informed the Interior Ministry of how the ISIS members enter Turkey with ease and then return to Syria. The governor's report describes how foreign fighters cross into Syria from the villages of Bükülmez, Kuşaklı and Beşaslan in the district of Reyhanlı, the village of Hacıpaşa in Altınözü district and the village of Güveçci in Yayladağı district with the help of smugglers.
The report adds that intelligence has been received regarding ISIS members in the conflict zones of Syria carrying out abductions, actions with vehicle bombs and attacks on border units in the Hatay province of Turkey.
All ISIS movements are monitored, but...
The report indicates that the Turkish security services are closely monitoring ISIS activities in Turkey. The report states: "ISIS operatives began to assemble in the town of Darkush in March, going by bus to the Zurzur area on 14 March. 300 metres from the village of Kolcular at the closest point to the Turkish border a group of around 150 stayed the night in a two-story villa. On 15 March they crossed into Turkey in groups of 45-50 at 4 separate points. They were met here by a person by the name of Abu Bara and taken to the Kent Hotel in Reyhanlı at around 6 am on the same day. It was learned that a group of around 100 subsequently left on the same day in two coaches heading towards Kilis on the way to the Rakka area of Syria. The remaining 45 persons were arrested by police at around 5 pm that day in Reyhanlı. These arrests created a negative atmosphere amongst the group, which decided to carry out actions against Turkey."
It is not known whether those arrested were subsequently remanded in custody or released.
The report sent by Celalettin Lekesiz to the Interior Ministry contains details of from which countries those joining ISIS came from and how they crossed into Syria. "They arrive in Istanbul by plane from their countries, making contact with local collaborators before going by plane and road to Şanlıurfa, Kilis, Gaziantep or Hatay. These persons are then taken illegally in small groups into Syria by smugglers."
Those joining ISIS are described in the report as being from France, Britain, rarely Germany, Iran, Lebanon, Egypt and Iraq. Apart from those from Iran, Iraq, Lebanon and Egypt those joining ISIS pass through Turkey on the way to Syria. The report continues:
"These persons coming to our country possess telephone numbers of people who will put them in contact with those who will facilitate their entry into Syria. They use things such as WhatsApp and Skype and carry laptops or smart phones."
They are not being stopped
While there is no mention in the report of measures taken to prevent the activities of ISIS, there is the following proposal: "Let us adopt the policy of the USA following 11 September and prevent the illegal crossing of foreign jihadists into Syria."
This is an admission that Turkey has not done anything to prevent ISIS members crossing the border.
The Governor concludes his report with the following belated analysis: "It is considered that in the event of ISIS, which poses a serious threat to our country, establishing itself and gaining power in the border areas, Turkey, which in their opinion does not live according to Islamic rules, would become a target. In these circumstances it is highly likely that their attention would turn to Turkey."
ISIS activities in Turkey confirmed by Governor's report | ANF