Police launch operation targeting Gülenists in Turkish defense giant Aselsan

ANKARA

Police have launched an operation against suspected followers of U.S.-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gülen in Turkey’s leading defense systems producer, Aselsan. 

Some 84 detention warrants were issued in the operation that was carried out on March 9 as part of the investigation carried out by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. 

A total of 43 people with suspected links to the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETÖ), which is widely believed to have masterminded the July 2016 failed coup attempt, were apprehended in simultaneous operations that were launched on 86 addresses in four provinces. 

The suspects were sought for allegedly managing or being members of an armed terrorist organization.

According to sources from the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, some of the detainees had already been dismissed and some are still on duty.