Security forces across Turkey conducted sweeping arrests Tuesday, taking 88 people into custody on suspicions of belonging to the organization blamed for the country’s failed 2016 military coup.
The arrests occurred through two independent operations targeting suspected followers of the Gulen movement, which Turkish officials hold responsible for the deadly uprising attempt.
In the larger operation, prosecutors from Kayseri province in central Turkey issued warrants for 70 suspects after conducting an eight-month investigation. Police teams launched coordinated strikes across four provinces – Kayseri, Istanbul, Adana, and Mersin.
The massive operation involved 144 police units with 676 officers, including specialized tactical teams, according to authorities. During property searches, investigators seized hidden recording devices, cameras, illegal firearms and bullets, plus documents and electronic files allegedly connected to the organization.
A second investigation led by Istanbul’s Chief Public Prosecutor resulted in 18 more arrests spanning eight provinces. Sixteen of those detained held government positions, prosecutors revealed.
Istanbul officials stated that two suspects allegedly occupied leadership roles in the organization, while others faced membership accusations. Authorities withheld the identities of those arrested and declined to specify which government agencies employed them.
Officials confirmed both investigations proceeded independently, without indicating whether additional arrests might follow. No details were released about upcoming court hearings or formal criminal charges.
Turkey’s leadership blames the Gulen movement for masterminding the July 2016 coup attempt, when military factions tried to topple the government. Official casualty figures show at least 250 deaths and roughly 2,200 injuries from the violence.
The Turkish government points to Fethullah Gulen, a religious leader who lived in exile in the United States from 1999 until his 2024 death, as the architect of the coup plot. Turkey has officially classified the Gulen movement as a terrorist organization.
Turkish law enforcement and prosecutors have maintained an aggressive campaign against suspected movement supporters since 2016. Tuesday’s detentions represent the most recent phase of this continuing crackdown, officials confirmed.
