Ankara: Trkiye's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) executed comprehensive domestic and international operations throughout 2025, focusing on armed groups, espionage cells, cybercrime structures, and financial networks.
According to Anadolu Agency, these efforts, compiled from Turkish security sources, included capturing senior ISIS and PKK figures abroad, dismantling cyber networks within Trkiye, and coordinating with partner services, reflecting a broader operational and diplomatic reach.
MIT's counterterrorism actions were extensive, with significant operations both domestically and abroad. In January, two PKK/KCK members were neutralized in northern Iraq, and a key suspect in the 2013 Reyhanli bombing was captured in Syria. MIT also targeted senior PKK figures in Iraq's Sulaymaniyah province. February saw further actions, including the neutralization of a PKK member in Hakurk and the capture of a suspect linked to the Reyhanli bombing.
One of the most notable counterterrorism successes was the arrest of Ozgur Altun, a senior ISIS figure, captured in a joint operation with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence. Altun was deported to Trkiye in June. Additionally, MIT brought another senior ISIS operative, Mehmet Goren, to Trkiye from the Afghanistan-Pakistan region. The year ended with the detention of an ISIS suspect in Malatya, allegedly preparing an attack ahead of New Year's celebrations.
Beyond kinetic operations, MIT played a significant diplomatic role in January by facilitating the release of hostages in Gaza. Acting on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's instructions, MIT engaged with Hamas and Thai authorities, leading to a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement between Hamas and Israel.
In cybercrime and data protection, MIT intensified efforts against illegal access to personal data. Operations were conducted in coordination with various national agencies, resulting in dismantling illegal query systems and arresting suspects involved in unauthorized data access and cyber espionage.
MIT also focused on espionage and counterintelligence, with high-profile operations leading to arrests on charges of spying for Mossad and cyber espionage. Additionally, MIT targeted the financial networks of the Fetullah Terrorist Organization, leading to arrests and the appointment of trustees to involved companies.
These comprehensive operations throughout 2025 underscore MIT's expanded capabilities and strategic collaborations, highlighting Trkiye's active engagement in counterterrorism and security efforts on multiple fronts.