Turkey: 3 of 37 FETO-linked suspects arrested

By Serdar Acil and Zafer Fatih Beyaz

ANKARA (AA) – Three suspected members of the terrorist group behind the 2016 defeated coup in Turkey -- out of 37 being sought by warrant -- have been arrested, a security source said Tuesday.

The arrests were carried out during simultaneous anti-terror raids in 22 provinces, said the source, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

Among the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) suspects are 14 suspended officers with the Gendarmerie General Command -- including two lieutenant colonels -- and 23 civilians, the source added.

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.