Turkish intelligence clearly responded to those threatening Türkiye, says President Erdogan

ISTANBUL

Turkish intelligence clearly responded to those threatening Türkiye, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday.

The Turkish intelligence agency, which exposed Israel's espionage network, gave a very clear response to those threatening Türkiye, Erdogan said in his address at the 97th foundation anniversary of Türkiye's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) in Ankara.

"It seriously surprised Israel. Just wait, these are the first steps," he said.

"You will get to know Türkiye very well."

On Dec. 5, Türkiye formally arrested 15 of the 34 suspects detained earlier on charges of espionage activities for Israeli intelligence agency Mossad, according to sources.

The arrests took place after an investigation by the Terrorism and Organized Crimes Investigation Bureau with the Istanbul prosecutor's office, focusing on international espionage.

Of the suspects, 26 were referred to a court with a request to be arrested for "political or military espionage.”

The judge's office granted the request for 15 suspects and took the rest in judicial custody.

Eight suspects, the sources said, were also handed over to the provincial immigration department for deportation.