216 at large after failed coup bid, Turkish deputy PM says

Ankara, Aug 9 (DHA) - A total of 216 soldiers from various ranks, including nine generals, that are suspected of plotting last month’s failed coup are still at large, Deputy Turkish Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said, while providing reassurances that there was no other imminent threat of a coup.

“As of now, 186 Turkish Armed Forces and 30 Gendarmerie General Command member personnel – 216 people in total – are at large. They have fled” said Kurtulmuş during a press meeting following a cabinet meeting.

He also said 10 foreign nationals had faced legal action, four of whom had been arrested, but did not give any details about their nationalities.

Kurtulmuş said the 216 people were the “tip of the iceberg” as far as the Fethullahist Terror Organization’s (FETÖ) coup attempt is considered but assured people that no other coup attempt would be possible after the July 15 episode.

Kurtulmuş also said prohibitions preventing public personnel from taking holidays had been ended.