Operations launched against Turkish personnel over failed coup

Ankara, Aug 18 (IANS) Turkish authorities on Tuesday launched large operations to detain 141 military personnel over their alleged links to a network believed to be behind the 2016 failed coup attempt.Following the orders of the Chief Public Prosecutor's Offices in Istanbul, Ankara and the western city of Izmir, police launched simultaneous operations in a total of 70 provinces, Xinhua news agency reported.The suspects, including ousted military personnel and soldiers on active duty, have allegedly contacted the network headed by the US-based Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen via various means, according to NTV. The Turkish government blames Gulen and his network for masterminding the coup bid in July 2016, in which 250 people were killed, and has been pushing for his extradition.
--IANS ksk/