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Türkiye marked the 99th anniversary of its National Intelligence Organization (MIT) on Tuesday, underscoring the agency’s expanding role in counterterrorism, intelligence diplomacy and emerging security threats amid a changing global order.
In a written message, National Intelligence Organization chief Ibrahim Kalin said the agency continues to operate with a centuries-old state tradition while adapting to modern challenges, including hybrid warfare, cyber threats and artificial intelligence–driven intelligence analysis.
Kalin said the international system is struggling to address overlapping geopolitical and hybrid crises as rule-based multilateralism weakens and interest-driven approaches gain ground.
Against this backdrop, Türkiye is pursuing a multidimensional and balanced foreign policy aligned with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s “Century of Türkiye” vision.
He said the intelligence service integrates human, technical and open-source intelligence with artificial intelligence technologies, prioritizing qualitative analysis and long-term strategic assessment over purely tactical operations.
According to the statement, MIT carried out numerous intelligence-led operations in 2025, thwarting espionage activities, disrupting terrorist plots and countering cyberattacks.
The agency said it works closely with other security institutions against terrorist organizations, including Daesh, al-Qaeda, PKK, FETO and DHKP/C, as well as organized crime networks.
Security sources said operations targeted armed groups, espionage cells, terrorist financing and cybercrime networks both at home and abroad.
Most recently, Turkish intelligence detained Daesh suspect Ibrahim Burtakucin in the eastern city of Malatya ahead of New Year’s celebrations while he was allegedly preparing an attack.
Mehmet Goren, a senior Daesh-K figure tasked with carrying out a suicide attack, was also captured last month.
The statement also highlighted MIT’s role in intelligence diplomacy, noting its involvement in facilitating communication and mediation efforts in conflict zones including Gaza, Ukraine, Somalia and Afghanistan to help prevent crises from escalating.
Looking ahead to its centenary, Kalin reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to safeguarding Türkiye’s security “anytime and anywhere,” emphasizing the goal of leaving a safer and stronger country for future generations.
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