ANKARA

Turkish intelligence, in an operation conducted in Africa, has arrested Ahmet Baykara, an al-Qaeda operative accused of organizing attacks on Turkish military bases in Syria, according to security sources.

Baykara, who reportedly orchestrated attacks on Turkish bases in Idlib, northwestern Syria, and targeted a Turkish military convoy, was tracked down after an intelligence operation revealed his movements in Syria and Iraq. Realizing he was under surveillance, Baykara fled to Africa, where Turkish intelligence ultimately apprehended him, sources reported Tuesday.

During interrogation, Baykara confessed to his role in cross-border attacks on Turkish forces and disclosed plans for potential attacks on sensitive sites within Türkiye. He also provided information about his associates.

*Writing by Yasin Gungor