International Cooperation Against Foreign Terrorist Fighters: The Experience of Turkey

The threat posed by extremist groups has become a concern for international security and stability. Turkey, due to the geographical proximity to this troubled area and its long land border with Syria and Iraq, has been facing an increased risk and threat to its security at many levels. One of the security threats against Turkey is Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTF) and their travels through the country. This policy brief aims to shed light on the foreign terrorist fighter phenomenon from Turkey’s angle. The brief highlights the importance of international cooperation in the prevention of FTF travels. It also studies the two instruments Turkey has developed to prevent FTF travels: a no-entry list and Risk Analysis Groups. The brief also discusses the recently released data on no-entry and deportations, based on geographic distribution. It concludes by underlining that FTF recruitment and travel is a cycle and intervention at any stage requires an effective international cooperation.