Straddling Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East, Turkey’s geographical position represents an excellent place for terrorist networks to exploit. Turkey has a dark history of domestic terrorism; however, it is affected by extraneous Islamic militants, such as Hamas and Hezbollah , that use the country as a battleground and an entrance to the West. Al-Qaeda has also made a significant appearance, particularly after 9/11 . Their recent operations indicate that Turkey is emerging as an advanced front line for Islamic extremism.
On November 15, 2003, al Qaeda struck two central synagogues in Istanbul, killing 63 people and injuring over 100 . Another attack in Istanbul followed five days later, this time on the headquarters of the HSBC bank and the British Consulate, killing a total of 32 people and wounding nearly 500 . The attacks bore the hallmarks of al-Qaeda. Both were carried out by suicide bombers using explosive laden trucks, and their sophisticated planning and coordination suggested the work of the group.
In the summer of 2005, Turkish authorities arrested Syrian militant Louai Sakka in connection with a plot to hit an Israeli cruise line in a Turkish harbor. Based on interviews, Turkish interrogators and prosecutors determined that Sakka provided financial support with al-Qaeda funds of over $150,000 for the 2003 Istanbul operations. Further investigations led to Sakka’s identification as a prominent al-Qaeda member with a long curriculum vitae, including the millennium plot in Jordan among others.
Sakka’s testimony revealed information that has proven priceless for counterterrorism officials. His intricate operations illustrate channels of movement that crisscross Turkey, Chechnya, Afghanistan , and after the 2003 attack Iraq . In Iraq, he worked closely with longtime associate Abu Musab al-Zarqawi , staging major attacks against US bases. According to Sakka’s statement, Iraq exemplifies an excellent terrorist training ground resembling Afghanistan, Bosnia , or Chechnya, from which valuable modus operandi can be learned for future operations against the west.
Though, due to a series of complications, Sakka’s trial is progressing slowly. He refused to sign his testimony, affirming that he does not respond to any laws other than Sharia. His strident statements and disobedience in the court have forced the judge to postpone the hearings several times. Further, Sakka’s legal representative, Osman Karahan, was forced off the case after being charged with aiding and abetting a terrorist organization. Known for his defense of the majority of radical suspects that have been rounded up after 9/11, Karachan is an open promoter of extremist Islam.
Louai Sakka now contradicts his initial statements by claiming that he is someone else, namely Ekrem Ozel. That name was on the identity card he carried when he was arrested, and he demands that he be fingerprinted to prove it. Karachan confirms that the man’s identity cannot be verified as Louai Sakka, as he, much like Laila Khalid, an infamous terrorist wanting to obscure her identity, is said to have undergone several plastic surgeries. In addition, he moved in and out of Turkey more than 50 times using a string of different passports.
Sakka’s arrest should be counted as a major victory for the Turkish government in their effort to hamper the growth of foreign extremists in the country. The defendant’s accounts already disclose al-Qaeda’s increased interest and presence in Turkey. The trial may possibly divulge further information useful to Turkish officials; however, the continuous complications of the case are likely to delay counterterrorism advancements.
