The Turkish president said that terrorists from the close circle of the slain leader of the Islamic State, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, are trying to enter Turkey from Syria, reports Tanjug.
Erdogan also pointed out that the number of people related to Baghdadi, who were captured by Turkish forces, is close to double digits.
The Turkish president announced yesterday that Turkish forces arrested one of Baghdadi's wives and daughters.
"The USA announced that Baghdadi killed himself in the tunnel and launched a campaign around it. But I am announcing this here for the first time: We captured his wife and did not talk about it like they did. We also captured his sister and brother-in-law in Syria," Erdogan said in a speech at Ankara University on Wednesday, Reuters reported.
Three days ago, in a raid by Turkish security forces in northwestern Syria, the older sister of the slain leader of the Islamic State, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, was arrested, and officials believe that she could provide important information about the terrorist organization.
The agencies state that little is known about Baghdadi's sister, who is known as Rasmija Awad (65). Awad was arrested during a raid on Monday evening.
She was found in a trailer where she lived with her family near the town of Azaz in Aleppo province.
Officials state that Avad was with her husband, sister-in-law and five children, and other adult persons are also being questioned.
"This is a goldmine as far as intelligence is concerned. What she knows about the Islamic State could help in catching others," the Turkish official said, according to AP.
The Director of Communications of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized that the arrest of Awad is proof of Turkey's determination in the fight against the Islamic State.
US President Donald Trump announced on October 27 at the White House press conference that Baghdadi was dead.
As he stated, Baghdadi activated the explosives that made him dangerous after escaping into the tunnel during the raid of the American army in Idlib province.
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