Senior defense officials removed after Turkish coup bid

By Sarp Ozer

ANKARA (AA) – Turkey’s Defense Ministry has removed senior officials and officers following Friday's failed coup, a ministerial source said Wednesday.

Speaking on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking with the media, the source told Anadolu Agency that one deputy undersecretary, three department heads, one major general, two brigadier generals and one rear admiral were relieved of their duties.

Meanwhile, 21 military judges in Ankara were held by military personnel until they could be transferred to the civilian authorities.

Turkey's government has said the attempted coup was organized by followers of U.S.-based Fetullah Gulen, who is accused of a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through supporters within Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police and judiciary, forming a ‘parallel state’.

At least 240 people, including members of the security forces and civilians, were martyred in Istanbul and Ankara and nearly 1,500 others wounded as they protested against the coup.

*Anadolu Agency correspondent Diyar Guldogan contributed to this report from Ankara.