Türkiye detains 22 suspected FETÖ members in Ankara

Prosecutors in Türkiye have issued detention warrants for 22 people as part of an investigation into the alleged covert network of the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ) within the country’s Land Forces Command.

According to a statement from the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Terror Crimes Investigation Bureau launched the probe after identifying individuals believed to be connected to what authorities describe as the organisation’s “secret services” structure embedded in the Land Forces, Caliber.Az reports per Turkish media.

Investigators say the suspects communicated with alleged senior operatives through payphone lines at kiosks, grocers and small shops across Ankara.

Those facing detention include eight serving soldiers, six retired personnel, four former soldiers previously dismissed from duty, three active public officials and one private-sector employee.

Police operations to detain the suspects are underway across nine provinces, coordinated by Ankara Police Department teams.

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