An operation led by Istanbul police to arrest 58 high-ranking members of the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ), including its chief in the police force, was launched in 16 Turkish provinces on Thursday.

Osman Hilmi Özdil, also known as "Kozanlı Ömer" and known to be FETÖ's head of security, had allegedly fled the country after his links with FETÖ were exposed following the Dec. 17 operation.

Istanbul's anti-smuggling and organized crime branch units organized the operation with 100 teams and searched 66 addresses in 16 provinces.

The police stated that the suspects also include nine high-ranking officials, 17 "senior figures" and 30 additional members affiliated with FETÖ. Authorities also added that the suspects are among police officials, research assistants, teachers, engineers, and accountants.

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