The “Fethullahist Terrorist Organisation” (FETO) launched a deadly coup attempt against the people and government of my nation on the evening of July 15, 2016. Their goal was to build a hardline, fundamentalist dictatorship devoted solely to FetullahGulen.
Thousands of civilians took to the streets to stop this unprecedented heinous coup attempt as FETO affiliated army units left their barracks to occupy key locations such as Istanbul’s Bosphorus Bridge and fighter jets and attack helicopters bombed strategic targets such as the Parliament, Presidential compound, Army and Police Headquarters. The plotters murdered 251 innocent individuals and wounded many more. The Turkish people defended democracy with their lives that night. The conspirators had not anticipated such a brave response.
After the attempted coup by FETO rebels on July 15, 2016, Turkish army secure the neighborhood.
To comprehend what occurred, one must first comprehend the fundamental essence of FETO. FETO was founded in the late 1960s as a “religious movement.” It was able to conceal its malicious aims by encouraging education and inter-religious dialogue.
For decades, clandestine infiltration of FETO members and converts into the army, law enforcement, judiciary, and various government institutions, including my Ministry, was carried out for an overall plan, the ultimate phase of which was released on July 15, 2016.
If the coup attempt had succeeded, Turkiye would be a very different place today. Democracy would not have existed, and fundamental rights and liberties would have been forever suspended. An extreme regime would have taken control of the country.
FETO not only possessed a large number of educational institutions, but also a number of financial institutions. Their bank accounts were topped up by major FETO members from business and trade, as well as authorities and members of the general public. Many innocent citizens were also duped into donating to FETO’s cash by manipulating their piety. The tremendous cash generated by their schools across the world was secretly transferred into these accounts, ready for their last move.
Following the violent coup attempt on July 15, 2016, a ruthless purge of the public sector, including government institutions and the military, as well as the business sector, of all FETO associated individuals and enterprises was launched. A number of high-profile conspirators have been caught. Others evaded justice and sought asylum in foreign nations. Fethullah Gulen, the leader of the FETO terrorist organization, is still in the United States. For years, our government has requested that Gulen be extradited to Turkey from the United States, as well as FETO members from European nations. Unfortunately, these demands have not yet been met.
On the other hand, governments around the world are becoming more aware of the threat that this terrorist organization poses to them and are taking the necessary precautions. FETO is also involved in illegal activities such as visa fraud, money laundering, and the trafficking of arms. As a result, FETO members are being removed from public and commercial sectors in a number of nations. After 2016, several schools linked with this terrorist organization in other countries were moved to the Turkish Maarif Foundation. Maarif Schools are already operating in various countries and delivering outstanding education internationally. The nature and extent of Turkiye’s war against FETO are similar to those of other nations’ fights against organizations that have frightened authorities and people alike, endangering democratic ideals, fundamental rights, and freedoms.
Turkiye is following in the footsteps of other countries in their war against terrorism. All processes are in accordance with the law.
Terrorism has no country, ethnicity, or religious affiliation. This danger poses a hazard to all of humanity. As a result, the reaction against this danger must be coordinated and determined. No state has the luxury of distinguishing between terrorists, and no terrorist organization can be classed as “useful” based on personal preferences. FETO is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of individuals as well as other atrocities committed against the Turkish people. Six years after July 15, 2016, Turkiye remains steadfast in its war against FETO, as it does against other terrorist organizations like as the PKK, PYD-YPG, DHKP-C, and DAESH.
We want the international community to support Turkiye in its battle against terrorism.