Turkey: 283 Presidential Guard soldiers in custody

By Huseyin Gazi Kayki

ANKARA (AA) – At least 283 of Turkey’s Presidential Guard Regiment soldiers have been taken into custody on Friday for their alleged links to the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), according to security sources.

Speaking on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking with the media, officials told Anadolu Agency the 283 soldiers were stationed at the Presidential Complex in Ankara.

The suspects will be brought to the Palace of Justice in Ankara after police inquiry.

Turkey's government has repeatedly said the deadly coup attempt on July 15, which martyred at least 246 people and injured more than 2,100 others, was organized by followers of U.S.-based preacher Fetullah Gulen.

Gulen is also accused of 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".

* Hatice Kesgin contributed to this report from Ankara.