FETÖ leader Gülen dies in US: Report

ANKARA

Fetullah Gülen, the leader of the FETÖ terrorist organization accused of orchestrating the failed 2016 coup attempt in Türkiye, has died, Turkish media reported on Monday.

Reports of Gülen's death first emerged when accounts close to the FETÖ leader posted condolence messages online.

Hande Fırat, Ankara correspondent for the Daily Hürriyet, confirmed during a live broadcast that news of Gülen's death had reached Turkish officials.

"His health was extremely troubled recently. In addition to kidney failure and diabetes, he also had dementia," Fırat said.

She added that Gülen's health had deteriorated following internal conflicts within the organization over financial matters.

Turkish authorities have not yet officially commented on the reports of Gulen's death.

Gülen, who had been living in the United States since 1999, was last seen leaving his home in Pennsylvania on Oct. 13. He had reportedly been moved from his long-time residence to a large house near the Chestnut Retreat Center in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania, known as FETÖ's headquarters.

The FETÖ and its leader Gülen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, in which 251 people were killed and 2,734. 

In the aftermath, FETÖ infiltrations within the judiciary, military and various ministries were exposed, leading to the dismissal of numerous members.