Turkish police launched simultaneous operations in 40 provinces across Turkey after the Chief Prosecutor’s Office in Izmir had issued arrest warrants for 185 suspects, including active-duty members of the Turkish Armed Forces and former cadets, who allegedly have links to the organization.

The arrest warrants were issued after prosecutors determined that the suspects had communicated with the group members via landlines or payphones.

Since May 2016, Turkey has classified the FETO organization as a terrorist organization under the assigned names Fethullahist Terrorist Organization and Parallel State Structure. 

After the failed coup attempt in 2016, the government of Turkey blamed the group for the coup and authorities have arrested thousands of soldiers and judges who have links to the organization. (ILKHA)