Türkiye detains roughly 180 military suspects in nationwide anti-FETO operation

Turkish authorities have detained 176 suspects, predominantly active-duty military personnel, in a large-scale operation targeting the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETO) terrorist organisation across 41 provinces, with Istanbul and Izmir as key centres. 

The operation aims to root out members of the organisation accused of infiltrating the Turkish Armed Forces, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

According to a statement from the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, not all FETO members within the military have been identified, prompting intensified efforts to uncover remaining operatives. The 176 suspects include 174 serving military officers, ranging from colonels to specialist non-commissioned officers, whose connections to the organisation were traced through smartphone communications.

Of those targeted, 158 suspects have been detained, while efforts to apprehend the remaining individuals continue. The operation underscores Türkiye’s ongoing campaign to dismantle FETO, which the government holds responsible for the attempted coup in 2016.

Following the 2016 Turkish coup attempt, Türkiye launched a widespread crackdown targeting individuals and groups associated with Fethullah Gülen and his movement, FETO. This crackdown involved mass detentions, dismissals from public service, and closures of media outlets and organisations linked to the movement.

By Khagan Isayev