By NewsBlogger Turkish authorities detain seven individuals suspected of espionage activities, including a former civil servant allegedly trained by Mossad, amid escalating tensions with Israel over the Israel-Hamas conflict.
At a glance
- Seven individuals were detained for suspected espionage activities, selling information to Mossad.
- The former civil servant turned private detective allegedly trained by Mossad in Belgrade.
- Escalation in tensions between Turkey and Israel following the fallout from the Israel-Hamas conflict.
- Most suspects face allegations of espionage, with strong warnings from Israeli security officials.
- Turkish President Erdogan issues stern warning against potential incursions targeting Hamas officials on Turkish soil.
The details
Turkish authorities have made significant strides in cracking down on suspected espionage activities, with the recent detention of seven individuals believed to be selling information to Mossad.
The suspects were apprehended in Istanbul during coordinated raids conducted in collaboration with Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization.
This development comes on the heels of previous arrests last month and in early January, which saw a total of 41 individuals detained on similar suspicions.
Former Civil Servant Turned Private Detective Allegedly Trained by Mossad
Among those taken into custody, a former civil servant turned private detective stands out, allegedly trained by Mossad in Belgrade.
His activities reportedly included gathering intelligence on Middle Eastern entities and individuals, as well as planting tracking devices in vehicles targeted by Israeli intelligence.
Escalation in Tensions Between Turkey and Israel
Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc has underscored the gravity of the charges, stating that most of the suspects face allegations of espionage.
This escalation in tensions follows a recent deterioration in relations between Turkey and Israel, sparked by the fallout from the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Turkey has emerged as a vocal critic of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, prompting strong warnings from Israeli security officials.
In response to potential threats, the head of Israel’s Shin Bet security agency has indicated preparedness to target Hamas operatives not only in Lebanon but also in Turkey and Qatar.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has issued a stern warning to Israel, cautioning against any incursions targeting Hamas officials on Turkish soil and emphasizing the possibility of “serious consequences” for such actions.
The evolving dynamics between the two nations underscore the complex geopolitical landscape in the region and the ongoing challenges in managing diplomatic relations amidst heightened tensions.
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| independent.co.uk |
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| – Turkish police detained seven more people suspected of selling information to Mossad – |
| The suspects were taken into custody during simultaneous raids in Istanbul. – |
| – The raids were a joint operation with Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization. – The detained are suspected of collecting data on individuals and companies in Turkey. – Last month, seven other people were arrested on similar suspicions. – |
| – In early January, 34 people were detained by Turkish police on suspicion of spying for Israel. – |
| – The suspects arrested in January were accused of planning activities including reconnaissance and kidnapping. – Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc said most of the suspects were charged with committing espionage. – Those detained included a former civil servant working as a private detective. – |
| The detective was allegedly trained by Mossad in Belgrade – He collected information on Middle Eastern companies and individuals. – He placed tracking devices in vehicles of people targeted by Israeli intelligence. – Turkey and Israel had normalized ties in 2022 but ties deteriorated after the Israel-Hamas war. – Turkey became one of the strongest critics of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. – The head of Israel’s Shin Bet security agency said they were prepared to target Hamas in Lebanon, Turkey, and Qatar. – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Israel of “serious consequences” if they attacked Hamas officials on Turkish soil. |
