By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. You can change your cookie settings through your browser.
I agree
Search Trends
SITEMAP
Copyright © 2024 CGTN. 京ICP备20000184号
Disinformation report hotline: 010-85061466
SITEMAP
Copyright © 2024 CGTN. 京ICP备20000184号
Disinformation report hotline: 010-85061466
Turkish police detained 33 people suspected of spying for Israel's Mossad intelligence service and of targeting foreign nationals living in Turkey, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said on Tuesday.
The arrests followed an investigation launched by the Istanbul prosecutor office's terrorism and organized crimes investigation bureau, Yerlikaya said.
He said on social media platform X that the suspects were believed to be aiming to identify, monitor, assault and kidnap foreign nationals living in Türkiye. Authorities were still searching for 13 other people believed to have links to Israel's Mossad intelligence service, Turkish Anadolu Agency reported.
"We will never allow espionage activities to be conducted against the national unity and solidarity of our country," Yerlikaya said on social media.
The police carried out simultaneous raids on 57 addresses in eight provinces, and seized large amounts of foreign currencies, an unlicensed gun, many cartridges and digital materials, he added.
Asked about the arrests, Israeli Prime Minister's Office and the Foreign Ministry did not immediately comment.
Last month, Turkish officials warned Israel of "serious consequences" if it tried to hunt down members of the militant group Hamas living outside Palestinian territories, including in Türkiye, Reuters reported.
(With input from agencies)
(Cover: People gathered around the Galata Bridge in Istanbul, Türkiye, January 1, 2024. /CFP)