2 pilots remanded in custody over failed coup

By Zafer Akpinar

BALIKESIR (AA) – Two pilots were remanded in custody Tuesday in the northwestern province of Balikesir as part of the investigation of the July 15 failed coup, the Balikesir Chief Prosecutor’s Office said.

The two pilots were among 20 F-16 jet pilots from 9th Base Jet Command detained last week for alleged links to the July 15 coup attempt. "The pilots are accused of taking off from base command and landing after flying over Istanbul for an hour," a source familiar with their case told Anadolu Agency, on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking with the media.

The pilots reported that they had followed orders and were unaware of what was going on, according to their testimonies read out in court.

During the probe of the pilots’ alleged involvement in the coup bid, 13 pilots have been released on judicial supervision while five others remain under investigation.