Police detain over 40 in operation against Gülenists in army

Duvar English

Police have detained over 40 people in an operation against the followers of U.S.-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gülen in the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK).

Detention warrants were issued for a total of 54 suspects, of whom 37 are on duty, in the operation based in the western province of İzmir.

Simultaneous operations were launched in 40 provinces as part of the probe launched by the İzmir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and 41 people were detained.

All of the suspects are noncommissioned officers, state-run Anadolu Agency reported.

Another operation was launched in the capital Ankara as part of an investigation launched by Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office against the Gülenists in the air forces.

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Detention warrants were issued for 25 former soldiers and 18 of them were apprehended in operations carried out in 14 provinces, Anadolu Agency reported.

Turkish police often carry out operations against the Gülenists, who are officially called the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETÖ) and whose leader Gülen is the believed mastermind of the July 15, 2016 failed coup attempt.

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