By Enes Can
ISTANBUL (AA) – Over the last year a total of 722 suspects have been arrested over alleged links to the terror group behind the 2016 defeated coup in Turkey, as part of an ongoing investigation of the group's infiltration of the Turkish army, according to data compiled by Anadolu Agency.
Prosecutors determined that suspected Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) members of the army and their civilian seniors -- so-called “imams” -- communicated via land lines or pay phones.
For the investigation, since Nov. 29, 2017, prosecutors have issued arrest warrants for 989 soldiers, including 159 still wanted by Turkish authorities.
Among the arrested 523 were soldiers who are suspected members of FETO, according to the data.
Under the penitence law, a total of 307 soldiers who are reportedly FETO members were released on judicial control.
A total of 199 civilian suspects who reportedly led these soldiers were remanded in custody under the investigation.
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.