UPDATES HEADLINE, NUMBER OF DETAINEES, EDITS THROUGHOUT
By Cemil Murat Budak and Dilara Kucukerdogan
ANKARA (AA) – The number of soldiers detained at a military base in the Turkish capital Ankara on Saturday has gone up to 72, according to a security source.
A group of 67 soldiers surrendered to security forces at an anti-coup operation at the 4th Main Jet Base Command in northwest Ankara, the source previously told Anadolu Agency, speaking on condition of anonymity, due to restrictions on speaking to the media.
Launched in the aftermath of Friday’s failed coup attempt, the operation also saw the rescue of Gendarmerie Commander Gen. Galip Mendi, the source said, adding that Mendi resumed his post following the operation, the source said.
On Friday night, renegade elements within Turkey’s military attempted to stage a coup against the government.
Although the coup was soon put down by the country’s legitimate authorities and security apparatus, some 160 people were martyred in the violence, according to Prime Minister Binali Yildirim.
* Hale Turkes contributed to this story from Ankara.
