Several members of Turkey’s National Intelligence Agency (MİT) have been detained by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), according to Farhad Shami, SDF spokesperson. The announcement, made on Saturday, states that the operatives were allegedly conducting reconnaissance on critical infrastructure, including the Tishreen (Tişrîn) Dam and Qara Quzak (Qere Qozaq) Bridge in northeastern Syria.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) has confirmed that four Turkish soldiers were captured following an SDF infiltration on the western bank of the Euphrates River in the Mazra’at Al-Qaed area near Qara Quzak Bridge. These soldiers are believed to be the same individuals the SDF referred to as detained MİT operatives. Their current status remains unknown.
#SOHR
After sneaking to western bank of Euphrates River | “SDF” captures four Turkish soldiers on frontline of Qorah Qozakhttps://t.co/uT2vvu6P7l— المرصد السوري لحقوق الإنسان (@syriahr) February 8, 2025
Shami claimed that MİT operatives were active in both Damascus and Aleppo regions.
“We have obtained documents and video evidence of their activities,” he said, highlighting that Turkey’s strategy extends beyond military operations, aiming to control Syrian telecommunications, financial sectors and infrastructure.
Shami further alleged that Turkey’s ‘influence operations’ are intensifying in key urban centres, including Aleppo, Homs and Hama. “The Turkish state is now directly involved in all institutions in Syria, not just in the military and intelligence fields, but also through economic companies and internet infrastructure,” Shami added. “Turkey wants to control Syria politically, militarily and culturally.”
The Turkish state has not yet confirmed or provided an explanation regarding these claims.
