According to a top Turkish official, most of the FETO coup planners are hiding in the United States and Germany. About 16 percent of fugitive members of the Fetullah Terrorist Organisation (FETO), the group behind the 2016 defeated coup in Türkiye, are believed to be in the US, and 23 percent in Germany.
Speaking to Anadolu ahead of the eighth anniversary of the July 15, 2016 coup attempt, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated that Türkiye’s relentless efforts against FETO have rendered the group incapable of operating within the country’s borders.
Yerlikaya also highlighted ongoing efforts to uncover the organization’s attempts to restructure. “Through investigations conducted by our ministry, 44,444 individuals have been dismissed from various units, and precautionary measures are in place for 849 individuals,” he said.
“Our law enforcement agencies, in coordination with judicial authorities, closely monitor and conduct operations against identified targets,” Yerlikaya added, emphasizing that efforts will persist with unwavering determination until the last member of the terrorist group faces justice.
“During this Cabinet term, in 6,025 operations targeting FETO members, 9,738 individuals were detained, 1,697 were arrested, and judicial control measures were imposed on 2,036 individuals,” he reported.
The July 15, 2016 coup attempt, which resulted in the deaths of 253 people and injuries to over 2,700, was orchestrated by FETO and its US-based leader Fetullah Gulen. Gulen, who resides in Pennsylvania, has long been sought for extradition by Turkish leaders, but US judicial officials have not approved the request.
Yerlikaya noted that following successful operations against FETO, many of the group’s activities have shifted abroad. He mentioned that wanted individuals are attempting to flee the country illegally and that the group is focusing on international infiltration through institutions such as schools, media, civil society groups, and businesses.
Yerlikaya further explained that FETO has been trying to fund its domestic activities and maintain its presence in Türkiye with income generated abroad.
“Despite our explanations to our counterparts, approximately 16 percent of fugitive organization members are believed to be in the US and approximately 23 percent in Germany,” he said.
