KISKAÇ-29: Turkish authorities arrest 15 in FETÖ encrypted app probe

A large-scale operation, KISKAÇ-29, has been carried out in Türkiye targeting the Fethullah Gülen Terrorist Organization (FETÖ).

As many as 15 individuals suspected of links to FETÖ have been arrested in three provinces of Türkiye, Caliber.Az reports, citing an official statement by the Turkish Ministry of Interior on its X page.

3️⃣ ilde FETÖ’ye yönelik düzenlenen “KISKAÇ-29" operasyonlarında 1️⃣5️⃣ şüpheli yakalandı❗

🚩Cumhuriyet Başsavcılıkları koordinesinde; İstanbul İl Emniyet Müdürlüğü TEM Şube Müdürlüğünce yapılan çalışmalar sonucu; İstanbul merkezli Bursa ve Manisa'da FETÖ’ye yönelik düzenlenen…

— T.C. İçişleri Bakanlığı (@TC_icisleri) October 23, 2024

The detainees are alleged to have operated within the so-called "military security structure" and were reportedly users of ByLock, an encrypted communication app used by the organisation.

The Turkish authorities continue their efforts to dismantle FETÖ networks across the country, with operations like KISKAÇ-29 being part of an ongoing crackdown.

Notably, on the evening of 15 July 2016, FETÖ launched a violent coup attempt in Türkiye, aiming to establish a radical regime under their leader, Fethullah Gülen.

Armed factions took control of key locations, including the Bosphorus Bridge, while jets and helicopters bombed important sites such as the Parliament and the presidential compound. The attack claimed the lives of 251 civilians and left thousands injured. In response, Turkish citizens rallied to defend democracy, showing remarkable resistance against the coup.

FETÖ, which was initially founded in the late 1960s as a supposed "religious movement," had gradually infiltrated various sectors of society, including the military and judiciary, over the course of decades. The failed coup attempt brought to light their long-term and covert agenda.

By Aghakazim Guliyev