Mass Arrests Signal Renewed Government Action Against FETO Links
INVC NEWS
Istanbul – : In a sweeping early morning operation, Turkish authorities have detained 56 military personnel across various branches of the armed forces on allegations of treason and affiliation with the outlawed Fethullah Terrorist Organization (FETO). Arrest warrants were issued for a total of 63 officers, including four high-ranking colonels, as part of what the government describes as a response to a “deep conspiracy” within the military ranks.
The arrests, carried out under the direction of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, mark one of the most significant military purges in recent years. Those detained include personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Gendarmerie, reflecting the broad scope of the alleged infiltration.
The Shadow of 2016: Echoes of the Failed Coup Attempt
This operation draws a direct line to the July 15, 2016 coup attempt, which left 290 people dead and hundreds more injured. According to Turkish prosecutors, those arrested are believed to be directly connected to the same network that orchestrated the failed rebellion nearly a decade ago.
During that chaotic night in 2016, fighter jets bombed the Turkish Parliament and Presidential Palace, while a faction of the military attempted to seize control of Ankara and Istanbul. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, then vacationing at a coastal resort, famously urged citizens to resist the coup via a FaceTime call that was broadcast on national television. The citizens’ response helped suppress the uprising.
Since then, Erdoğan’s administration has vowed zero tolerance toward elements tied to FETO, which the government blames for orchestrating the coup.
Fethullah Gulen: A Controversial Figure in Exile
At the center of these allegations is the network allegedly run by Fethullah Gulen, an exiled Islamic cleric who resided in the United States until his death in October 2024. Though he denied involvement in the coup attempt, the Turkish government has maintained that Gulen was the mastermind behind the insurrection.
Gulen’s movement, once seen as a civil society group with a strong emphasis on education and interfaith dialogue, is now considered a national security threat in Turkey. His name, even after his death, remains synonymous with subversion and internal sabotage in Turkish political discourse.
Legal Pursuits Fueled by Digital Forensics
Turkish prosecutors have built their cases against the officers using telecommunications data, particularly call records linking them to known members of FETO. This digital evidence has been pivotal in identifying covert connections within military ranks.
Authorities claim that these individuals were embedded sleeper agents, activated or manipulated as part of a long-term strategy to destabilize the state. The ongoing investigation aims to dismantle any remaining influence of FETO in public institutions.
A History of Tension: Erdogan and Gulen’s Fractured Alliance
What makes this crackdown particularly notable is the complex history between Erdogan and Gulen. In the early 2000s, their alliance helped Erdoğan consolidate power, with Gulen’s followers occupying key roles in the judiciary, education, and police. However, by 2013, the relationship soured amid a corruption scandal implicating several Erdogan allies.
In response, Erdoğan’s government began to curb the influence of Gulenist institutions, closing schools and media outlets linked to the movement. The rivalry escalated rapidly, culminating in the 2016 coup attempt, after which tens of thousands were purged from public service roles.
Post-Coup Purge: A Massive Reconfiguration of the Turkish State
Following the failed coup, Turkey embarked on an unprecedented state-wide cleansing operation. More than 25,800 soldiers were detained, and thousands of police officers, judges, civil servants, and academics were either fired or imprisoned.
The crackdown extended beyond individuals. Hundreds of schools, media houses, businesses, and NGOs affiliated with the Gulen movement were permanently shut down. The government also restructured its intelligence and security agencies to minimize the risk of internal sabotage.
Global Implications and Human Rights Concerns
While Turkey insists that these actions are necessary to protect national sovereignty, international organizations and human rights groups have expressed concerns over the scale and methods of these purges. Critics argue that the government’s measures risk undermining democratic norms and judicial independence.
However, Ankara maintains that the threat posed by FETO is ongoing and deeply entrenched, justifying continued vigilance and immediate action when new links are uncovered.
Current Investigation and What Lies Ahead
The current investigation against the 63 military officers is expected to expand in the coming weeks, as authorities delve deeper into encrypted communication channels, financial transactions, and travel records. There are growing indications that more arrests could follow, particularly among mid-ranking officers and logistics personnel.
Turkish media reports suggest that the military is also conducting internal audits and loyalty assessments, reinforcing the narrative that security and loyalty are now prioritized over rank or tenure.
Political Context: Erdogan’s Unyielding Grip on Power
President Erdoğan, who has led Turkey for over two decades, continues to adopt a hardline approach to dissent and perceived threats. The latest detentions coincide with broader efforts to centralize executive power and streamline defense command structures.
Observers view this latest action as part of a broader strategy to reassert control ahead of the next general elections, with national security once again serving as a rallying theme for Erdoğan’s ruling party.
