Türkiye cracks FETÖ network: 70 suspects nabbed in multi-city blitz

Turkish authorities have detained 70 suspects in a coordinated operation targeting the Fethullahist Terror Organisation (FETÖ), officials said.

The operation, led jointly by the National Intelligence Organisation (MİT) and the Kayseri Provincial Police Department, followed eight months of technical and physical surveillance, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media. 

Kayseri’s Chief Public Prosecutor coordinated the raids, which took place simultaneously in Kayseri, İstanbul, Adana, and Mersin.

More than 600 personnel, including special operations units, participated in the raids across 144 locations.

Officials seized digital materials, organisational documents, three unlicensed shotguns, a blank-firing pistol, 50 rounds of ammunition, and hidden recording and surveillance devices.

Police said the suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.

FETÖ is known for its widespread infiltration into state agencies and institutions, from the army to law enforcement. Through its military infiltrators, it carried out a July 15, 2016, coup attempt. Since the coup attempt was quashed, the terrorist group faces heightened scrutiny.

Thousands were arrested or detained for links to the group and expelled from public agencies after the coup attempt.

By Aghakazim Guliyev