13 Daesh terror suspects arrested in Turkey

By Mustafa Yildirim, Ismail Ozdemir, and Izzet Mazi

IZMIR/BURSA/KILIS, Turkey (AA) - Counter-terrorism operations across Turkey saw the arrest of 13 people for their suspected links to the Daesh, police sources said on Friday.

The security forces conducted anti-terror operations across five cities to arrest the suspects, who were reportedly operating on behalf of Daesh, said the sources, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

In an operation based in the Aegean Izmir province, police arrested 12 Daesh suspects in Isparta and Bolu provinces.

The suspects were reportedly operating for the terror group in Syria and Iraq.

Separately, one suspect -- who was sought by police over the Daesh link -- was arrested in the Aegean Bursa province.

Meanwhile, a Daesh terror suspect surrendered to Turkish security forces at the Oncupinar border gate in the southeastern Kilis province.

More than 300 people have lost their lives in Daesh-claimed attacks in Turkey, where the terror organization has targeted civilians in suicide bombs, rocket and gun attacks.

Turkish security forces have been involved in a long-running campaign to thwart Daesh activities.

* Writing by Burak Bir