Top ISIS operative captured in joint Turkish-Pakistani intelligence operation

By Fatma Zehra Solmaz

ISTANBUL (AA) - A senior ISIS (Daesh) operative wanted by Türkiye was captured at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in a joint intelligence operation, Turkish security sources said Sunday.

Ozgur Altun, also known by the codename “Abu Yasir Al Turki,” was identified as the highest-ranking Turkish member of ISIS and played a key role in the group’s media and logistics networks. He was also accused of directing plots targeting concert venues and other civilian sites in Türkiye and across Europe.

Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) had tracked Altun’s activities and uncovered that he was coordinating the movement of ISIS fighters from Europe and Central Asia to the Afghanistan-Pakistan region.

Following intelligence sharing, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) was briefed on Altun’s presence in Afghanistan and his intent to cross into Pakistan.

A precision operation jointly conducted by MIT and ISI led to Altun’s capture at the border. He was later deported to Türkiye for further investigation.