Turkey detains over 900 foreign Daesh militants at Syria border
Under high border security, Turkish security forces detained hundreds of foreigners, mostly Chinese, Russian, for links to the Daesh terrorist organization
At least 913 foreign Daesh suspects, mainly Chinese and Russian, have been detained since January 1, 2015, while trying to cross the Turkish-Syrian border, security sources said on Wednesday.
The sources said the number of detainees increased by 61 percent (564 persons) in the second half of the year, compared to 349 persons during the first six months of this year.
Only 108 terror suspects have been detained in land and air operations between November and December, according to the security authority.
Regarding the nationality of the total detainees, China leads the list with 324, while Russia follows it with 99 Russian citizens.
Authorities detained 478 people while trying to enter Turkey and another 435 were detained crossing the border into Syria.
Foreigners who tried to enter Syria told investigators that they intended to enter Syria illegally to find their relatives. On the other hand, some of those who tried to enter Turkey claimed to be fleeing from Daesh oppression, while some others admitted they took arms training in Daesh camps and were plotting to attack inside Turkey.
Security forces also seized weapons and other materials which could be used for terrorist attacks.
In recent years, Ankara has adopted a host of security measures focusing on border regions to prevent entry of foreign fighters in transit to join terrorist organizations in Syria.
The measures indicate a multi-pronged approach, including the establishment of Risk Analysis Units at custom gates and transportation centers. The units, which are currently in use, had bolstered capacity for security checks on incomers.
At the border, the Turkish Armed Forces are taking extra measures to prevent foreigners from joining clashes in Syria.
Troops have dug 365 kilometer long ditches, and a 270 kilometer stretch on the border has been illuminated to make patrolling more effective. Additionally, 1,280 kilometers of patrol roads have been improved.
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Turkey has also fortified its border region by deploying personnel and vehicles on the Syrian border.
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