Article author:
Associated Press
Istanbul (AP) —Turkish security forces have detained Greek citizens accused of spying on Athens intelligence, the State-run Anadolu Agency said Saturday.
The man identified as Muhammed Amar Ampala has information on the deployment of Turkish border forces and on Turkish Syrian and Turkish people who fled to Greece after the 2016 coup attempt. Allegedly involved in the collection. turkey.
Citing an unnamed security source, Anadolu has published a photo of a bald man with a handcuffed beard. He was in his 50s or 60s.
He was reportedly arrested without providing information on where and when he was detained as a result of an investigation by the Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT).
Officials at the Greek Embassy in Ankara refused to comment on the allegations.
Arrests occur in a new tension between Turkey and Greece. Neighboring countries and NATO allies have a history of conflict over a variety of issues, including mineral exploration on the eastern Mediterranean coast and rival claims in the Aegean Sea.
Recent fights have focused on the Greek islands off the Aegean coast of Turkey, and Ankara has accused Athens of building a military presence in violation of the treaty. Greece claims to be acting in accordance with international law and defending the islands in the face of Turkey's hostility.
Turkey has the largest refugee population in the world, including about 3.7 million Syrians. Their presence has become a major political issue for the upcoming 12-month elections.
Part of a group associated with US-based clergy who accused Ankara of organizing an attempt to overthrow President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after a failed coup in July 2016. Members have fled abroad, including Greece.
