'Just as we say ISIS is over, Khorasan begins': Look who Özgür Altun, captured in an MIT operation, turned out to be

The National Intelligence Organization (MIT) has carried out a significant operation against ISIS-Khorasan (ISKP), one of the most dangerous branches of ISIS. In the operation conducted in cooperation with the Pakistani intelligence service ISI, Turkish national Özgür Altun, who was reportedly preparing for attacks in Turkey and Europe, was captured on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

HE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR TURKISH PUBLICATIONS AND ATTACK ORDERS IN EUROPE

According to MIT's assessments, Altun played a critical role in the ISIS-Khorasan structure. It was stated that Altun, who was responsible for the organization's Turkish-language publications, issued instructions for attacks to be carried out in Europe and Turkey. It is alleged that he coordinated attack plans targeting crowded events, such as concerts.

HE ORGANIZED TRANSITS TO EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA

It was learned that Altun was active not only in publications but also within the organization's logistics network. He reportedly held a key role in the transit of ISKP members from Europe and Central Asia to Afghanistan and Pakistan. It was noted that he organized the transit routes for militants wishing to join the organization's ranks.

Halk TV columnist İsmail Saymaz examined Altun's capture in his column today. Saymaz drew attention to the danger of this new structure with the words, "Just as we thought ISIS was over, the Khorasan trouble begins." According to Saymaz, the Khorasan structure is becoming the new center for radical elements who have fallen out with jihadist groups in Syria.

THE NAME OF THE NEW CRISIS IN SYRIA: KHORASAN

Citing reports in the American press, Saymaz pointed out that radical elements opposed to Abu Muhammad al-Julani, the leader of the Al-Qaeda-linked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Syria, are shifting toward Khorasan. Stating that these groups accuse Julani of not implementing Sharia and collaborating with the West, Saymaz used the expression, "Khorasan is at the head of these groups."

Evaluating Altun's background, lawyer Onur Güler stated in his remarks to Saymaz that some ISIS members released in Turkey subsequently went to organization camps in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Güler said that Altun is not alone and that there are many militants who have similarly moved to conflict zones after being released.