Ankara: Trkiye's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) successfully conducted numerous operations across a wide geographic scope in 2025, neutralizing threats before they materialized and ensuring the security of its citizens, according to the intelligence chief.
According to Anadolu Agency - English, Ibrahim Kalin, in an article marking the intelligence service's 99th anniversary, stated that the organization has adopted a preventive intelligence paradigm. This paradigm prioritizes early risk detection, long-term forecasting, and strategic analysis. Kalin highlighted that the integration of human intelligence, technical intelligence, and open-source intelligence, supported by artificial intelligence technologies, allows the agency to move beyond mere quantitative data collection. This approach facilitates qualitative assessment and strategic evaluation, enabling intelligence to inform long-term policy decisions.
Kalin emphasized the necessity of understanding security as an indivisible whole, encompassing operational, tactical, and strategic dimensions. He pointed out that modern threats cannot be addressed through isolated measures and require a holistic security approach involving coordination among multiple institutions. The organization's work in 2025 included preventing espionage attempts, countering cyber threats, and disrupting activities that could undermine social stability.
The article detailed Trkiye's continued fight against terrorist organizations in 2025, describing efforts against groups including ISIS, al-Qaeda, the PKK, FETO, and DHKP/C. "Regardless of their source, origin, form, or justification, our fight against the violent acts, financial resources, and propaganda activities of terrorist organizations will continue with determination and resolve," said Kalin.
On the national objective of a 'terror-free Trkiye,' Kalin stated: "This goal represents a comprehensive, multidimensional, multi-phased, original, and innovative transformation project-ranging from the dissolution and disarmament of the PKK to political reforms and the establishment of social peace." He underscored the critical and historic contributions provided by the national solidarity, fraternity, and democratic perspective expressed in the Turkish Grand National Assembly, supported by political parties and a broad segment of society.
Addressing counter-espionage, Kalin noted that Trkiye remains a target for intelligence operations due to its regional and international role. He explained that espionage methods have evolved to include online operations, front organizations, and the exploitation of criminal networks, necessitating constant vigilance and expanding counterintelligence capacity. "Indeed, over the past year, we exposed agent networks and thwarted espionage activities conducted against our country. Our efforts in this field will continue without compromise or slowdown," he said.
Kalin also highlighted the growing importance of cybersecurity and described efforts to protect the country's 'cyber homeland.' He explained that the intelligence organization has strengthened cyber defense architecture and conducted operations against attempts to destabilize the country through digital platforms and financial channels.
Beyond domestic security, Kalin mentioned that the organization plays a role in 'intelligence diplomacy,' establishing communication channels between conflicting parties and contributing to de-escalation efforts in crisis regions. "From the Gaza ceasefire to the Russia-Ukraine war, from Somalia to the reduction of tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan axis, we closely monitor complex processes across diverse geographies and contribute to regional peace and stability," he stated.
On Syria, Kalin remarked that developments following December 8, 2024, marked an 'irreversible point and the beginning of a hopeful transformation process toward a stable future governed solely by Syrians.' He added that a free, sovereign, unified, secure, democratic, and prosperous Syria would ensure domestic peace while contributing to regional stability.
Kalin concluded by acknowledging Africa as a region of growing strategic competition, emphasizing Trkiye's approach that focuses on local solutions and cooperation. He noted that intelligence diplomacy has played a role in countries including Libya, Somalia, and Sudan, as well as across Central and West Africa.
Lastly, Kalin paid tribute to intelligence officers killed in the line of duty, affirming that under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the agency remains committed to safeguarding Trkiye's security and stability as it approaches its centennial.