Türkiye detains over 50 soldiers in wide-ranging operation against FETÖ terror group

A major operation targeting the FETÖ terrorist organisation was carried out across 36 provinces, centred in Türkiye's Istanbul, resulting in the detention of 56 out of 63 military personnel for whom arrest warrants had been issued. 

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office stated that the number of still-unidentified FETÖ members within the Turkish Armed Forces exceeds those who were actively involved in the failed coup attempt of July 15, 2016, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media. 

The statement revealed that, to date, 8,992 suspects detained in connection with the organisation have been formally arrested, 13,968 released under judicial control, 2,841 released without charges, and 2,393 suspects remain fugitives. Among the latest detainees are 8 personnel from the Air Force Command, 13 from the Gendarmerie General Command, 36 from the Land Forces Command, and 6 from the Naval Forces Command. 

The ranks of those detained include 4 colonels, 8 lieutenant colonels, 12 majors, 15 captains, and 24 non-commissioned officers and sergeants. The operation began simultaneously in Istanbul and 35 other provinces at 6:00 a.m., under the direction of the Counter-terrorism Branch of the Istanbul Police Department. Authorities indicated that the arrests and related judicial processes are ongoing, and further updates will be provided as developments unfold.

By Naila Huseynova