Security forces detained 27 suspects linked to the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ) in nationwide operations on Friday. FETÖ is accused of carrying out the July 15, 2016 coup attempt through its infiltrators in the military and faces an increased crackdown in the aftermath of the putsch bid that killed 250 people.
In the southern city of Antalya, 16 suspects wanted for membership in FETÖ were detained. The suspects include six businessmen who served on the board of a now-defunct business body linked to the terrorist group. The group is known for running a vast array of non-profit organizations, including business associations used for money laundering and financing their crimes. All were shut down before and after the coup attempt, and most of their members were captured. In the northern city of Zonguldak, two people, including a former army captain and a businessman, were detained.
Police also captured nine suspects for whom prosecutors in the western city of Balıkesir issued detention warrants. One suspect was a non-commissioned officer. Other suspects are accused of helping the infiltrators of FETÖ members in the army. Investigations and confessions of former members show that the terrorist group recruited followers as young as middle school students, instructed and helped them for admission into military school. Several putschists behind the 2016 attempt were recruited by FETÖ before enrolling in military schools, while others joined the terrorist group later in their military careers.