Turkey: 18 FETO-linked terror suspects arrested

By Meric Urer

IZMIR, Turkey (AA) - Turkish security forces on Friday arrested 18 people in western Izmir province for their suspected links to Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), according to a security source.

The arrests came after Izmir Chief Public Prosecutors' Office issued arrest warrants for 24 people, said the source who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

The security forces launched simultaneous raids on early Friday and arrested 18 of the suspects.

Among the suspects is Kemal B. -- who was one of the founders of Kaynak Holding, and also financial advisor of the FETO's closed television channel Samanyolu TV (STV) and Sifa Hospitals.

FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Ankara also accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.