Arrest warrants out for over 100 military staff in Turkey

By Omer Sut

IZMIR

The Chief Public Prosecutor's Office in western Izmir city issued arrest warrants for over 100 military personnel Friday as part of a probe into the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), according to a judicial source.

An Izmir-based operation continues in 45 provinces to arrest 117 military personnel, including 19 dismissed and 98 active soldiers, the source, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on talking to the media, told Anadolu Agency.

The suspects were being sought on specific accusations of being linked to the terrorist group, the source added.

FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, which left 250 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

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