Turkey issues arrest warrants for FETO terror suspects

By Halil Demir

ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkish police on Thursday launched counter-terror operations to arrest 39 alleged members of the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), the group behind last year's defeated coup attempt, according to a security source.

The suspects are accused of using ByLock, an encrypted smartphone messaging app used by FETO members before and during last year's defeated coup attempt, said the source, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

After the issuing of warrants, which include doctors and teachers, the Istanbul police's counter-terror division ordered the launch of operations in eight provinces.

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