AGRI, Turkey

At least 30 suspects across Turkey were detained late Saturday over their alleged ties to the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), local governor said.

The operation, based in the eastern province of Agri, was launched in 26 provinces, according to a statement released from the Agri Governor's Office.

The statement said that the Chief Public Prosecutor of Agri issued arrest warrants against the suspects for allegedly using the ByLock messaging app, which is said to have been used by members of FETO.

According to the statement, arrest warrants were issued for a total of 38 suspects, amongst them several deputy police chiefs, police officers and an engineer.

Those arrested were brought to Agri Police Department, the statement added.

The operation is ongoing to apprehend the remaining eight suspects.

FETO, led by U.S.-based Fetullah Gulen, has been accused of orchestrating the defeated coup of July 2016 that left at least 248 people martyred, and around 2,200 others wounded.

ByLock is said to have been exclusively used by the group’s supporters until it was reported cracked by security agencies, which allowed the identification of FETO members.

Since the failed coup, tens of thousands of police officers, military service personnel and other public employees have been arrested over their alleged ties to FETO.

Reporting by Orhan Gungor; Writing by Meryem Goktas