Turkish Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu announced through his social media account that operations against the Fethullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ) would continue with determination in order to ensure the peace, unity, and solidarity of the nation. The security forces have been conducting coordinated operations in various provinces including Aksaray, Bolu, Gaziantep, Sakarya, Muğla, Mersin, Manisa, Istanbul, Kayseri, Kars, Erzurum, Izmir, Elazig, Adana, Usak, Denizli, Sivas, Mardin, Edirne, and Bursa. So far, 70 suspects have been apprehended in these operations.
The operations are being carried out under the coordination of the Directorate General of Security Intelligence Department, Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime Directorate, and Counterterrorism Branches, along with Provincial Security Directorates and Criminal Investigation Departments in the aforementioned provinces. Minister Soylu mentioned that a significant amount of digital material has been confiscated during the operations, indicating the involvement of the suspects in the so-called ‘confidential security structure’ of the organization, their use of the encrypted messaging application ‘ByLock,’ communication through public phones, and residing in hideout houses known as ‘Gaybubet evi’.
It has been discovered that the suspects in question are wanted for convictions related to previous FETÖ investigations and have been harboring in these secretive locations. The arrested individuals, who are believed to have been actively operating within the organization’s clandestine structure, had been using various methods to communicate and avoid detection. The successful outcomes of these operations are attributed to the relentless efforts of the security forces to root out the terrorist elements and prevent any attempts to destabilize the country.
The ongoing crackdown on FETÖ comes as part of the Turkish government’s continued efforts to eliminate the presence of this clandestine network, which has been deemed as a terrorist organization. The Interior Ministry has reiterated its commitment to maintaining the peace and security of the nation by dismantling these threats and ensuring that those responsible for endangering the country’s stability are brought to justice. The simultaneous and coordinated nature of the operations demonstrates a united front against terrorism, with the security forces working diligently to safeguard the country and its citizens.
The operations are a testament to the government’s unwavering resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms and protect the nation from internal threats. The arrests and seizures made during these operations underscore the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies in identifying and neutralizing individuals associated with terrorist organizations. By taking swift and decisive action against FETÖ and other similar groups, the Turkish government aims to prevent any potential harm to the nation and its people, while sending a clear message that terrorism will not be tolerated in any shape or form. The collaboration and coordination among security forces across different provinces reflect a united effort to safeguard the country and uphold the rule of law.
