Turkey arrests over 50 FETO-linked suspects

By Ember Turkoglu

TOKAT, Turkey (AA) - Security forces on Wednesday arrested at least 52 suspects across the country over their alleged links to Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), according to police officials.

18 military officers were arrested in 20 different provinces of Turkey after Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in central Tokat issued arrest warrants for 34 suspects -- including one on-duty lieutenant, 28 sergeants, two specialized sergeants, and three former lieutenants.

Another 34 suspects, including 24 on-duty soldiers, were arrested in an operation launched in 26 provinces after Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in southeastern Diyarbakir province issued arrest warrants for 56 suspects, another official said.

A separate operation is in progress in 13 different provinces after arrest warrants for 32 suspects were issued by Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in Bitlis. The suspects are accused of using FETO’s encrypted smartphone messaging application and being member of the terrorist organization.

FETO and its U.S.-based leader Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, which left 250 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Ankara 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.