A senior Turkish military officer holding the rank of brigadier general has been detained under suspicion of involvement in human trafficking across the Syrian border, according to sources from the defense ministry on Thursday.

The defense ministry sources verified recent reports in Turkish media alleging that the brigadier general, responsible for regional operations in Syria, allegedly used his official vehicle to smuggle individuals through checkpoints undetected, reportedly earning substantial sums of money in the process. It remains unclear whether the officer was personally present in the vehicle during these incidents.

While the exact timing and location of the detention were not disclosed, defense ministry sources confirmed the officer's detention in Ankara, following an order from the prosecutor in the Akcakale district of Sanliurfa province, near the Syrian border.

An investigation has been initiated, leading to the officer's subsequent retirement. The defense ministry sources emphasized that both administrative and judicial processes are ongoing, underscoring their commitment to pursuing any violations of the law within the military, irrespective of rank.

This development underscores ongoing efforts within Türkiye to address serious allegations of misconduct, particularly concerning border security and military integrity. (ILKHA)