PKK terror group backed coup attempt: Turkish governor

By Yilmaz Ekinci

BATMAN, Turkey (AA) – PKK terrorists' radio conversations on the night of July 15 coup attempt demonstrate the organization was ready to help out putschists, a southeastern provincial governor said Tuesday.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Batman Governor Ahmet Deniz said the PKK terrorists' chats on walkie-talkies on the night of the coup attempt and afterwards included words of support for the pro-coup soldiers in case they fled and took refuge behind the PKK.

"They are heard saying 'Let's embrace each other', 'Let's go along with them' and 'Let's cooperate'.

"This shows that both the PKK and FETO terrorist organization are involved in the same project aiming to block Turkey's path and both of them are being coordinated from the same place," Deniz said.

"It's now more clear who is behind this coup attempt,” he added.

Turkey's government has repeatedly said the deadly coup attempt, which martyred more than 230 people and injured nearly 2,200 others, was organized by the followers of U.S.-based preacher, Fetullah Gulen.

Gulen is also accused of implementing a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary, forming what is commonly known as the parallel state.