Turkish Military Personnel Detained in Large-Scale Operation
Turkish judicial authorities reported the detention of 56 active military personnel in a large-scale operation. The operation, conducted simultaneously in 36 provinces this morning, targeted 63 military suspects with arrest warrants over alleged links to the FETÖ terrorist organization.
According to a statement from the Istanbul Republic Prosecutor’s Office, those detained included four colonels, eight lieutenant colonels, twelve majors, fifteen captains, and twenty-four non-commissioned officers. The suspects were serving in the Land Forces, Air Force, Navy, and Gendarmerie.
Turkish security officials stated that the individuals were identified through analysis of specific communication patterns and the use of public telephone lines. It was alleged that members of the group employed particular methods for organizational communication, including the use of public phone booths in places such as cafeterias and bill payment centers.
This operation is part of Turkey’s broader efforts to counter FETÖ’s infiltration of state institutions. The group, designated as a terrorist organization by the Turkish government, was previously implicated in the failed 2016 coup attempt. Since then, tens of thousands of people have been detained in connection with FETÖ.
Judicial investigations indicate that the group’s networks remain active in some state institutions, including the armed forces. Turkish authorities have emphasized that legal measures against the group’s members will continue.
Note:
FETÖ (Fethullahist Terrorist Organization) refers to the “Fethullah Gülen Terrorist Organization,” accused by Ankara of orchestrating the July 15, 2016, coup attempt.
