The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched a new phase in its investigation into the Fetullah Terrorist Organization’s (FETO) clandestine network within the Turkish Air Force Command, issuing detention warrants for 16 suspects.

The Terror Crimes Investigation Bureau identified the suspects as part of a probe targeting FETO’s “covert network” within the Air Force. Investigations revealed that the group utilized prepaid landlines in kiosks, grocery stores, and markets across Ankara to communicate with the organization’s so-called “secret imams.”

The suspects include five active-duty soldiers, five former members of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) previously expelled, and six civilian “secret imams” linked to FETO’s structure. The Ankara Police Department is conducting simultaneous operations across eight provinces to apprehend the individuals.

Authorities continue their efforts to dismantle the organization’s secretive operations within the military, with ongoing operations centered in the capital.

Following the 2016 Turkish coup attempt, Türkiye launched a widespread crackdown targeting individuals and groups associated with Fethullah Gülen and his movement, FETO. This crackdown involved mass detentions, dismissals from public service, and closures of media outlets and organisations linked to the movement. (ILKHA)