Turkish police launched simultaneous operations in 23 provinces across Turkey after the Chief Prosecutor’s Office in Balıkesir had issued arrest warrants for 42 suspects, including active-duty members of the Turkish Armed Forces, who allegedly have links to the organization.

Prosecutors determined that the suspected communicated with the group members via landlines or payphones.

Since May 2016, Turkey has classified the FETO organization as a terrorist organization 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.