Detention warrants issued for 360 FETÖ-linked suspects in military

Prosecutors have issued detention warrants for 360 Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ)-linked suspects targeting the military, including top figures, as part of counter-terror operations following the deadly July 2016 coup attempt, reports said Wednesday.

According to reports, the operation was launched based on warrants issued by Istanbul Prosecutor's Office after discovery of new evidence.

The suspects include 333 soldiers and 27 FETÖ "imams," involved in the military structure.

FETÖ uses the code name "imam," an Islamic title that Muslims use to refer to a prayer leader, as a title for senior terror cult figures responsible for organizations and institutions, including law enforcement and the judiciary in specific countries.

Reports noted that 216 of the suspects were soldiers actively serving in the military.

On July 15, a small military junta linked to FETÖ attempted to stage a coup to topple the democratically elected president and government in Turkey and impose martial law. The attempt was prevented by military troops loyal to the government, along with police units and millions of Turkish citizens in favor of democracy. In total, 250 people consisting of mostly civilians were killed by pro-coup soldiers, while over 2,000 people were injured.

The attempt was masterminded by Fetullah Gülen, who has lived in self-imposed exile on a 400-acre property in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania since 1999.