26.9 C
Karachi
Friday, April 19, 2024
- Advertisement -

Turkish army says vast majority of military had no links to coup bid

TOP NEWS

AFP
AFP
Agence France-Presse

“The overwhelming majority of our members who love their people, nation and flag have absolutely nothing to do” with this coup “attempted by traitors,” it said in a statement.

READ MORE: Turkey take in custody 26 generals, including ex-air chief, over coup

The army said the plotters would be punished severely for the “humiliation and disgrace” on the Turkish republic.

“Believers of the rule of law, democracy and the high value of our nation and its noble aims were the victors,” it added.

The armed forces blamed the “Fethullah Terrorist Organisation” (FETO) for the failed putsch, referring to Fethullah Gulen, a one-time ally turned foe of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

READ MORE: Turkey detains 103 generals, admirals after coup

 Erdogan has accused Gulen of leading the coup from afar in the United States — charges which the Islamic preacher strongly denies.

The army said its chief of staff Hulusi Akar had refused at gunpoint to sign a document in support of the attempted overthrow of the government.

“An illegal gang of terrorists in FETO tried to force the Chief of General Staff to sign a document and read a statement live on television by making threats against him,” it said.

“The traitors made this request of the chief of General Staff which he strongly refused.”

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
 

POLL

Will the PML-N led govt be able to steer Pakistan out of economic crisis?

- Advertisement -
 

MORE STORIES