Turkey arrests 12 FETO terror suspects

By Necat Hazar

VAN, Turkey (AA) - At least 12 suspects were arrested for alleged links to the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), the group behind the 2016 failed coup, Turkish authorities said on Monday.

In a statement, the provincial security directorate in Turkey’s eastern Van province said the suspects were arrested during simultaneous operations in Van and Hakkari provinces under the coordination of the Van Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.

While 10 suspects were remanded in custody, two were released on the condition of judicial control, the communique added.

FETO and its US-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, in which 251 people were martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Turkey 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.

*Writing by Seda Sevencan in Ankara