Türkiye: Ex-soldier with FETÖ links arrested over forest fire in Bursa Video

A man has been taken into custody in connection with a forest fire that has raged for three days in the Meyran area of Orhaneli district, in Bursa province, Türkiye.

Identified as Ufuk Aytekin, a former air force non-commissioned officer expelled from the military under a FETÖ investigation, the suspect has reportedly confessed to starting the fire, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

According to Turkish authorities, Aytekin was detained on the evening of July 27 following a public tip-off. Witnesses had seen him in the area with petrol canisters in his vehicle. 

He was apprehended outside a student dormitory in Topbaşı, where his car was parked, and was nearly attacked by residents who accused him of setting the blaze.

The suspect was found with burn wounds on his arms and legs, which he claimed occurred at home, though eyewitnesses allege he sustained the injuries while igniting the fire. Police also recovered a burnt mobile phone from the forest.

The Bursa Governor’s Office confirmed that Aytekin had previously faced disciplinary action over FETÖ links.

A statement noted: “In line with public reports regarding the recent forest fires, an immediate investigation was launched by the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. A suspect with a prior FETÖ connection has been detained.”

Initial findings suggest Aytekin acquired petrol from a local station before driving to Kışmanlar Park on the evening of July 27, where he allegedly set fire to the woodland. 

In his confession, he admitted to intentionally starting the blaze and said he wanted to be imprisoned for life after family problems and being expelled from the military. 

Investigators are now reviewing his mobile communication records (HTS) and tracking data from number plate recognition systems (PTS) to determine any accomplices or movement patterns.

A forensic examination of the suspect’s injuries, clothing and the fire scene remains ongoing. Authorities have stated that a full statement from Aytekin will be taken once the preliminary assessments are complete.

Bursa’da orman yangını çıkaran FETÖ’cü kundakçının benzinleri aldığı görüntüler ortaya çıktı. https://t.co/wyDGEgzRkN pic.twitter.com/UoMnmAxgQk

— TRT HABER (@trthaber) July 28, 2025

By Aghakazim Guliyev