Intelligence agency MİT playing active role in Turkey’s Afrin operation

ANKARA

The National Intelligence Organization (MİT) is playing an active role in Turkey’s “Olive Branch” military operation into the Syrian province of Afrin, according to security sources.

The MİT is giving “real time tactical” electronic and technical intelligence to the Turkish Armed Forces carrying out the operation against groups affiliated with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), according to a security official who asked not to be named.

The MİT’s role includes the coordination and direction of Ankara-backed Free Syria Army (FSA) rebels involved in the operation, as well as intelligence support in the identification of targets for air strikes and post-destruction evaluation.

One source said this included streaming “instant visual intelligence from downtown Afrin.”