Pakistan-Türkiye Intelligence Cooperation deals major blow to ISKP network

Türkiye's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) has achieved another significant breakthrough against the Islamic State Khorasan Province

ANKARA / ISLAMABAD:  Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) has achieved another significant breakthrough against the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) by capturing a key operative, Uğur Bahadır, alias Abdullah, in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region and subsequently transferring him to Türkiye.

The operation is being linked to ongoing intelligence cooperation between Türkiye and Pakistan, particularly the close coordination between MIT and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to disrupt terrorist networks operating across regional borders.

According to security sources, Bahadır travelled from Türkiye to the region in 2024 to join ISKP training camps. Following sustained intelligence efforts, he was apprehended and questioned by Turkish authorities. Information obtained during interrogation reportedly provided important details about the group’s operational structure, recruitment activities and plans to carry out attacks in Türkiye.

The intelligence gathered from Bahadır is also believed to have helped security agencies prevent potential Daesh attacks and expose networks involved in recruiting young Turkish nationals for terrorist activities.

A Series of Operations Against ISKP Network

Bahadır’s arrest follows several major operations targeting an ISKP recruitment and facilitation network operating between Türkiye and the Afghanistan-Pakistan region.

One of the key figures captured earlier was Özgür Altun, alias Abu Yasir al-Turki, who allegedly coordinated the movement of recruits from Türkiye to the region. He was reportedly apprehended in June 2025 during a joint MIT-ISI operation near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. His arrest marked a major breakthrough in efforts to dismantle the network.

Another important operative, Ahmet Kazancı, also known as Abu Ubeyde and Abu Ibrahim, was captured in the border region in early 2026. He was reportedly responsible for managing ISKP’s Turkish-language propaganda operations after Altun’s arrest. Security sources indicated that Kazancı had survived airstrikes in Pakistan and was attempting to return to Türkiye to carry out further activities.

Similarly, Mehmet Gören, who was allegedly assigned suicide attack responsibilities, was arrested by MIT in December 2025 in the same region. He was also reportedly associated with Altun’s network.

The latest arrest of Bahadır has provided investigators with additional information about the movement of recruits through Iran into training facilities in the border region, as well as preparations for attacks outside the group’s operational territory.

Pakistan’s Contribution to Regional Counterterrorism

Pakistan’s intelligence and security institutions have continued to play an important role in countering ISKP and other terrorist organisations, sharing information with international partners to prevent cross-border militant activities.

Security officials have highlighted Pakistan’s position on the frontline of the fight against terrorism, despite the country itself facing persistent security challenges. Intelligence-sharing arrangements with friendly countries, particularly Türkiye, have reportedly helped identify terrorist movements, recruitment channels and logistical networks.

According to the information provided by security sources, militant groups have attempted to establish hideouts in remote areas, including parts of Balochistan’s Mastung, Kalat, Khuzdar, Bolan and Sibi belt. Pakistani security agencies have continued efforts to counter these activities through intelligence-led operations and coordination with international partners.

MIT-ISI Partnership Strengthens Security Cooperation

The successive arrests demonstrate the importance of intelligence cooperation between Pakistan and Türkiye in addressing the threat posed by transnational terrorist organisations.

Turkish media reports suggest that information obtained during the investigation into Bahadır has helped expose ISKP’s recruitment, financial and media propaganda networks operating from the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region.

The developments have further highlighted the importance of coordinated intelligence efforts in preventing terrorist attacks beyond national borders. Officials believe that continued cooperation between MIT and ISI can help disrupt terrorist financing, recruitment and operational planning.

Both Pakistan and Türkiye have faced serious security threats from terrorism and share an interest in preventing extremist organisations from expanding their regional and international activities.

The latest operation is being viewed as another example of the growing security partnership between the two countries, with Pakistan’s counterterrorism experience and intelligence cooperation contributing to wider regional and international security efforts.