Balıkesir public prosecutor's office released arrest warrants against 17 FETO-linked suspects in seven provinces as part of a probe into the group’s infiltration of the Turkish Armed Forces.

Turkish police launched simultaneous operations in seven provinces across Turkey after the Chief Prosecutor’s Office in Balıkesir had issued arrest warrants for 17 suspects, including active-duty members of the Turkish Armed Forces, who allegedly have links to the organization.

Prosecutors determined that the suspected communicated with the group members via landlines or payphones.

While 10 suspects have been taken into custody, security forces are still looking for the remaining fugitive suspects.

Since May 2016, Turkey has classified the FETO organization as a terrorist organization under the assigned names Fethullahist Terrorist Organization and Parallel State Structure. 

After the failed coup attempt in 2016, the government of Turkey blamed the group for the coup and authorities have arrested thousands of soldiers and judges who have links to the organization. (ILKHA)