Turkey: 9 FETO-linked terror suspects arrested

By Soner Kilinc

USAK, Turkey (AA) - Security forces arrested nine suspects across Turkey over alleged links to the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), the terror group behind the 2016 defeated coup in Turkey.

Anti-smuggling and organized crime teams nabbed the suspects in six provinces on charges of using ByLock, an encrypted cellphone app used by FETO members, sources said on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

The operation remains ongoing to apprehend one more suspect for the same charges, the sources added.

FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup on 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.