16 FETO suspects arrested across Turkey

By Sener Toktas

BITLIS, Turkey (AA) – At least 16 suspects including active-duty soldiers have been arrested across Turkey for their suspected links to FETO, the terrorist group behind a defeated coup, an official statement said on Thursday.

According to a statement by the governor's office in the eastern Bitlis province, simultaneous operations were launched in 11 provinces on Wednesday, including Bitlis.

Among the 16 suspects arrested were lieutenant colonels and commanders, the statement noted.

A hunt for another suspect is underway.

The Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Ankara also accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.