Turkish authorities have detained 55 individuals suspected of links to the Fethullah Gülen Terrorist Organization (FETÖ) in a four-day operation spanning 21 provinces, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced on Thursday.

The suspects are believed to have operated within the organization's "Military Confidential Structure and Police Structure," using payphones to communicate with leadership. They were identified through testimonies and evidence, and faced outstanding arrest warrants related to previous FETÖ investigations.

The operation was carried out by counter-terrorism and anti-smuggling units under the coordination of the General Directorate of Security Intelligence. Minister Yerlikaya praised the officers involved in the operation and reiterated the government's commitment to combating terrorism and its affiliates.

FETÖ is accused of orchestrating a failed coup attempt in Turkey in 2016. Since then, Turkish authorities have conducted widespread operations to apprehend alleged members of the group. (ILKHA)