Turkish Ministers Recall 2016 Defeated Coup Attempt

Turkish ministers on Monday commemorated the third anniversary of the 2016 failed coup attempt, orchestrated by the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO).

"On the anniversary of July 15, we commemorate our heroic martyrs, who gave their lives for democracy and homeland with mercy and our veterans with gratitude," said Mevlut Cavusoglu, Turkish foreign minister, in a Twitter post.

"On the night of July 15, we showed the world that we would not kneel before any human power other than the will of the nation. This honor is granted to very few nations," Abdulhamit Gul, justice minister said, on Twitter.

"We commemorate all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for our independence and future with mercy and gratitude," he added.

Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Ersoy also said that July 15, which refreshes memories of those who forget history, is also an absolute warning to those who want to test our will.

"We will not forget the betrayal to our nation that night and nation's heroism," said Treasury and Finance Minister Berat Albayrak in a Twitter post.

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Cahit Turhan attended a commemoration ceremony hosted by Turkish satellite operator Turksat.

He said the coup plotters had tried to occupy the Turksat campus to disrupt the broadcast. He praised heroism shown by the Turksat staff, who foiled such a move. "Their (Turksat staff) heroism will not be forgotten," he said.

"As a last resort, they tried to stop the broadcast by bombing the campus. The AKA-1 was shot and a jet bombed the campus by making four dives on the Turksat. The treacherous coup plotters could not achieve their abusive goals, and at 2.40 a.m. they ran away, without looking back," he said.

Turkey marks June 15 as Democracy and National Unity Day. The day is commemorated with events honoring those who lost their lives beating back the putschists and to remember bravery of the nation.

FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Ankara accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the legitimate state apparatus, through infiltrations into Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary. -