In Bitlis-based operations, which were launched simultaneously in 17 provinces across Turkey, 32 suspects were arrested, the Governor’s Office said in a statement.

The statement said that the suspects had used payphones to avoid detection by police, had been in contact with senior managers and secret imams of the organization, and had been part of the hierarchical structure of the organization.

Since May 2016, the FETO organization has been classified as a terrorist organization by Turkey under the assigned names Fethullahist Terrorist Organization and Parallel State Structure. 

After the failed coup attempt in 2016, the government of Turkey blamed the group for the coup and authorities have arrested thousands of soldiers and judges who have links to the organization.