Abu Yasir al-Turki, real name Özgür Altun, was one of the most significant foreign operatives within the ranks of ISIS-Khorasan. A Turkish national, he emerged as a key recruiter and fundraiser, responsible for attracting fighters from Turkey and Azerbaijan and channeling financial support for the group’s operations. Known for his influence among foreign jihadists, Abu Yasir operated under the radar while building networks that extended beyond regional borders.
He first arrived in Afghanistan in 2018 and joined ISIS-K soon after. In 2019, he was captured by Afghan authorities and remained in prison until the fall of Kabul in 2021, when he escaped amid the chaos. Resuming militant activities, he played a central role in reviving foreign recruitment pipelines and managing funds. His efforts led to several foreign fighters being brought into the region, some of whom were later killed in operations or arrested.
Abu Yasir’s militant career ended recently when he was arrested near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. He has since been handed over to Turkish security agencies.
