Turkish forces find FETO suspects near Greek border

EDIRNE, Turkey

Turkish gendarmes detained two Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) suspects and their families close to the Greek border, security sources said on Monday.

The two former ministry personnel and their families were thought to be fleeing to Greece, the sources added.

The group was detained in the Meric district of Turkey’s northwestern Edirne province.

Security forces also found €4,000 ($4,260) and 2,000 Turkish liras (approx. $540) of cash on the suspects, the sources said.

The four adult individuals were detained while their children were sent to relatives, the sources added.

FETO is said to have orchestrated last July’s attempted coup in Turkey that left 248 people martyred.

Following the coup bid, Turkey introduced a state of emergency that has seen tens of thousands of public servants dismissed or suspended from their jobs over suspected ties to the terror network.

The number of Turkish citizens who have illegally entered Greece since the July 15 defeated coup now stands at 100, including eight former Turkish soldiers who fled there on a stolen Black Hawk helicopter hours after the coup attempt and immediately requested asylum

Turkey's government has repeatedly requested the extradition of the eight men, promising they would have fair trials.

However, on Jan. 26, the Greek Supreme Court decided not to extradite any of the fugitive Turkish soldiers.

Reporting by Cihan Demirci; Writing by Burcu Arik