Couple sought by Interpol over alleged ISIL ties caught in Turkey’s south

ŞANLIURFA

A couple sought with an Interpol red notice over alleged links to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) was arrested in the southeastern province of Şanlıurfa, state-run Anadolu Agency reported on March 1, citing security sources. 

The man, identified only as Ismail S., carrying both German and Turkish passports, and his wife, identified only as Sarah O., carrying both German and Algerian passports, were rounded up by gendarmerie forces in the Akçakale district near the Syrian border after they illegally crossed into Turkey.

Ismail S. was remanded in custody while his wife Sarah O. was deported to Germany with her three children, said the sources who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

The couple was sought by the United States, Doğan News Agency reported.

More than 300 people have lost their lives in ISIL-claimed attacks in Turkey, where the group has targeted civilians in suicide bomb, rocket and gun attacks.

Turkish security forces have been involved in a long-running campaign against the group’s activities.