Turkish intelligence warns of possible ISIS attacks this week in Ankara
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Turkish intelligence has warned that the Islamic State (ISIS) may attack Ankara during the May 19 Youth and Sports Day celebrations.
According to Turkish press reports on Monday, Turkey's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) informed the government that at least 10 ISIS militants have infiltrated Turkey from Syria, through the southeastern province of Gaziantep, and plan to carry out 10 separate attacks, most of them in Ankara.
MIT believes ISIS also plans to attack the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, a military compound and the US embassy. Turkish authorities have said the events will not be canceled.
The Ataturk celebration is an annual national holiday in Turkey. It commemorates Ataturk's landing at Samsun on May 19, 1919, the date that marks the beginning of Turkey's War of Independence.
Ankara has already been subjected to two bomb attacks this year, both claimed by the Kurdistan Freedom Falcons (TAK) splinter group.
According to Turkish press reports on Monday, Turkey's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) informed the government that at least 10 ISIS militants have infiltrated Turkey from Syria, through the southeastern province of Gaziantep, and plan to carry out 10 separate attacks, most of them in Ankara.
MIT believes ISIS also plans to attack the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, a military compound and the US embassy. Turkish authorities have said the events will not be canceled.
The Ataturk celebration is an annual national holiday in Turkey. It commemorates Ataturk's landing at Samsun on May 19, 1919, the date that marks the beginning of Turkey's War of Independence.
Ankara has already been subjected to two bomb attacks this year, both claimed by the Kurdistan Freedom Falcons (TAK) splinter group.