Advertisement

Paris suspect found in Turkey

A Belgian man of Moroccan origin has been arrested in Turkey on suspicion he scouted the target sites for attacks that killed 130 people in Paris a week ago, a Turkish government official said.

The official, confirming a report by the Dogan news agency, said two other men were also arrested, without giving details.

Here’s what really happened in Paris
Bombing terrorists makes them stronger: expert

The Belgian, Ahmet Dahmani, was arrested at a luxury hotel in the southern coastal city of Antalya.

Dogan said the 26-year-old had been staying in a five-star hotel in the popular tourist destination since November 16.

Dogan said the two other men, both Syrian citizens, were detained on a nearby highway on suspicion they had been sent by Islamic State in Syria to ensure Dahmani’s safe passage across the border and were planning to meet him.

Dogan, citing court sources, identified the two men as Ahmet Tahir, 29, and 23-year-old Muhammed Verdi.

Counter-terrorism police first became aware of Dahmani when he arrived on a flight to Antalya and tracked him to the hotel in the Manavgat district of the city, Dogan said.

Separately, Turkey deported a group of Moroccans detained at Istanbul’s main airport this week over suspected links to Islamic State.

The eight, who said they had arrived at Ataturk airport on Tuesday night from Casablanca for a holiday, were detained by border police and questioned by profiling experts who flagged them as suspected militants, a government official said.

Stay informed, daily
A FREE subscription to The New Daily arrives every morning and evening.
The New Daily is a trusted source of national news and information and is provided free for all Australians. Read our editorial charter
Copyright © 2024 The New Daily.
All rights reserved.