Turkish Intelligence Captures Espionage Fugitive on Syria-Lebanon Border

• •Önder Sığırcıkoğlu was captured after 12 years as a fugitive.
• •He was sentenced for kidnapping Free Syrian Army commanders and conducting espionage.
• •The operation involved collaboration between Turkish and Syrian intelligence services.

Önder Sığırcıkoğlu, a Turkish national accused of espionage against Türkiye, was captured on the Syria-Lebanon border after evading authorities for 12 years. He was sentenced in 2013 to 20 years for kidnapping two Free Syrian Army commanders, later handing them over to the Assad regime, resulting in one death due to torture. Sığırcıkoğlu escaped from prison in 2014 with alleged help from the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ). Following his escape, he was protected by the Assad regime and conducted espionage against Türkiye, sharing sensitive information with Syrian officials. He was tracked through intelligence operations across Syria, Lebanon, and Russia. The joint operation by Turkish and Syrian intelligence led to his capture as he attempted to cross back into Syria. He is now in custody for questioning by Turkish authorities.