- BIST10011,518-1.74%
- USD49.45+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.37%
- GOLD4,169.30-0.28%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN81,844-0.21%
- October 19, 202617°
- BIST10011,518-1.74%
- USD49.45+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.37%
- GOLD4,169.30-0.28%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN81,844-0.21%
- October 19, 202617°
Ten years have passed since FETÖ's coup attempt in Turkey
On July 15, 2016, the coup attempt by the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETÖ) was suppressed within 21 hours through the resistance of the public and security forces. The attack killed 253 people.
The Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETÖ) attempted a coup on July 15, 2016 to overthrow the constitutional order in Turkey. This uprising was repelled by the determined resistance of the public and security forces. The organization, which had infiltrated state institutions under the guise of a religious movement, mobilized its cadres within the army.
Coup Preparations and Instructions
The organization's ringleader Fetullah Gülen, in a video he released on March 19, 2016, wore a dark green robe and instructed his followers to prepare for a coup. Following this signal, the "executives" in FETÖ's civilian network traveled to the US repeatedly from December 2015 onward to meet Gülen. The start time of the operation planned at Akıncı Air Base was moved from 03:00 on July 16 to 20:30 on July 15.
As soon as the operation order was given, 33 maroon berets from the Special Forces Command (ÖKK) gathered at Akıncı Air Base and headed to the General Staff Headquarters. F-16s that took off from Akıncı began flying over Ankara skies. Television channels broadcast the first news of military movement at 22:28. It was urgently announced that the bridges over the Bosphorus in Istanbul had been closed by soldiers.
At 23:02, then Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım called NTV to say that the government was in charge and that the perpetrators of the uprising would receive the heaviest punishment. At 23:05, the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation into the coup attempt.
Violent Attacks and the People's Resistance
Pilots participating in the coup bombed the Police Aviation Department in Gölbaşı and then the Police Special Operations Headquarters. Helicopters controlled by the coup plotters opened fire on the National Intelligence Organization (MİT) compound in Yenimahalle. Former Lieutenant Colonel Ümit Gençer seized the TRT building and forced a news anchor to read the coup declaration.
At 00:24, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan connected to a live broadcast on CNN Türk and called on the public to take to the streets to defend democracy. This historic call ignited the resistance. Fire was opened from a helicopter on citizens gathered in front of the Gendarmerie General Command; 9 people lost their lives, dozens were injured.
At 00:56, coup pilots Mehmet Yurdakul and İlhami Aygül bombed the Ankara Police Headquarters with a warplane. About 10 minutes later, another coup pilot, Mustafa Özkan, struck the same area a second time. The coup plotters opened fire on citizens gathered in front of the General Staff Headquarters; 36 people were killed.
Unable to break the people's resistance, the coup plotters this time targeted the Parliament. A bomb was dropped on the Turkish Grand National Assembly from an F-16 flown by former officers Hasan Hüsnü Balıkcı and Uğur Uzunoğlu; 32 people were injured. Around 03:00, citizens liberated the TRT building from the coup plotters, the channel resumed normal broadcasting, and the captured plotters were handed over to the police.
Between 03:14 and 03:19, coup pilot Hüseyin Türk dropped four bombs on the TÜRKSAT facilities in an attempt to cut off television and radio broadcasts. Meanwhile, responding to President Erdoğan's call, increasing numbers of citizens filled city squares and strategic public buildings in a show of resistance.
The coup plotters who seized the control tower at Istanbul Atatürk Airport were neutralized by police special operations teams. Shortly after, the ATA aircraft carrying President Erdoğan landed on the runway; thousands of citizens welcomed Erdoğan at the airport. Immediately after the developments in Istanbul, the Turkish Grand National Assembly came under attack again.
At 03:24 and 03:25, former captain Hüseyin Türk dropped two more bombs on the Parliament with an F-16. At 06:19, former pilot lieutenant Müslim Macit dropped two bombs near the intersection close to the Presidential Complex in Ankara; 15 citizens were killed and 7 injured in the attack.
The Coup Suppressed in 21 Hours and the Casualties
The coup attempt of July 15, 2016 was suppressed throughout the country in about 21 hours thanks to the leadership of President Erdoğan, the sacrifice of the people, and the patriotism of the security forces. According to official data, a total of 253 people, including civilians and soldiers, lost their lives. The coup plotters used approximately 9,000 soldiers, 35 warplanes, 37 helicopters, 246 armored vehicles including 74 tanks, and nearly 4,000 light weapons to seize power.
Death of FETÖ Leader Gülen in the US
FETÖ leader Fetullah Gülen, who aimed to overthrow the constitutional order by infiltrating the entire state apparatus, lived on a 130-acre compound consisting of eight villas in Pennsylvania, USA. Despite Turkey requesting his extradition seven times on 27 separate charges, the US administration took no concrete step. Fetullah Gülen died on October 20, 2024 at St. Luke's Hospital in Monroe. His death was confirmed by an official document sent by the US State Department to Turkish authorities.
Stay Updated with Hilal Times
Subscribe to be informed about special news, developments and announcements. We will keep you informed.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy
