Arrest warrants out for FETÖ suspects

GAZİANTEP / BALIKESİR / BURSA- Anadolu Agency

Turkish security authorities on June 8 launched multiple operations in various provinces to detain suspects affiliated with the FETÖ- the group behind the bloody failed coup attempt of 2016.

Prosecutors issued detention warrants for a total of 33 suspects, including 24 on-duty police force members, and security forces started simultaneous operations in 16 provinces.

Separately, prosecutors issued arrest warrants for 42 suspects found to be using ByLock- FETÖ’s encrypted smartphone messaging app- and in touch with terror affiliates through pay phone.

Security sources later announced that dozens of suspects, 33 in Gaziantep and 35 in Bursa, were detained. 

In addition, prosecutors issued warrants for PKK and FETÖ suspects in the southeastern Şırnak province, one of the suspects was later remanded into custody.

FETÖ and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gülen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, which left 251 people killed and nearly 2,200 injured.

Turkey also accuses FETÖ of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police and judiciary.

The PKK- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and EU- has been responsible for the deaths of nearly 40,000 people, including women, children and infants. The YPG is PKK's Syrian offshoot.