Türkiye detains 15 suspected FETÖ members in İzmir

Turkish authorities have detained 15 individuals suspected of ties to the FETÖ organisation in İzmir.

Izmir Provincial Gendarmerie Command, Counter-Terrorism Branch Directorate conducted a simultaneous operation across 12 provinces, arresting 15 people connected to the terrorist network, while two suspects remain at large, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

FETÖ has a long history of infiltrating state institutions, ranging from the military to law enforcement. It orchestrated the July 15, 2016, coup attempt through its operatives within the armed forces. 

Following the failed coup, the organisation has been under intense scrutiny, with thousands arrested, detained, or dismissed from public service for ties to the group.

Investigations have shown that FETÖ frequently used encrypted communication, including a dedicated messaging app called Bylock, designed to transmit instructions from its leader, Fetullah Gülen. 

Turkish authorities spent years decoding messages on the app, which ultimately led to arrests across the country.

By Jeyhun Aghazada