US condoles with Turkey over 2nd coup bid anniversary

By Safvan Allahverdi

WASHINGTON (AA) - As Turkey marks second anniversary of 2016 defeated coup on Sunday, the U.S. State Department expressed its condolences to Turkish nation over the losses of lives, calling the attempt "an attack on democracy".

"We offer our deepest condolences to the friends and loved ones of those injured or killed," State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said in a statement.

Nauert described the defeated coup as "an attack on democracy", saying it is a stark reminder that the preservation of democracy requires perseverance and safeguards for fundamental freedoms.

"We reaffirm the United States’ steadfast support for our NATO Ally Turkey and its democratic institutions," she added.

The Fetullah Terrorist Organization (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.