Erdogan: The Structure of Turkey's Armed Forces Will Be Reconstructed

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the President of Turkey, stated on Thursday that following the failed coup attempt on Friday night, the structure of the military will be rapidly reconstructed and 'fresh blood' will be injected into the army. He also emphasized that the state of emergency will be extended if necessary. In an interview with Reuters at the Presidential Palace in Ankara, Erdogan mentioned that there is a possibility of another coup attempt in Turkey, but such an action will not be easy, as 'we are now very vigilant.' He further noted that there is a clear gap and inefficiency in the intelligence system, which should not be denied or covered up. He discussed this issue with the head of the National Intelligence Organization. Erdogan added that on the night of the coup, he tried to contact the head of the intelligence agency by phone but could not reach him. On Friday night, a number of military forces attempted to seize power by overthrowing Erdogan's government, but the coup failed due to the presence of Erdogan's supporters in the streets. Erdogan also stated that there is no obstacle to extending the state of emergency in Turkey after the designated period if necessary. The President declared a state of emergency for three months, stating that the purpose of this declaration is to quickly and effectively take all necessary measures to eliminate threats against democracy, the rule of law, and people's rights and freedoms. However, Erdogan mentioned that the Fethullah Gülen movement should be treated as a terrorist organization. He accused Fethullah Gülen, a cleric living in Pennsylvania, USA, of orchestrating the failed coup, a claim that Gülen denies. Erdogan stated, 'We will continue to fight wherever it may be. These people have infiltrated government institutions and have rebelled against the government.' He reported that during the failed coup, 246 people were killed and 2,185 were injured, while 24 coup plotters were also killed. Reports indicate that following the failed coup, the Turkish government has detained, suspended, or dismissed over 60,000 military personnel, teachers, and judges in recent days. In this context, Erdogan declared a three-month state of emergency in Turkey, stating that the consequences of the failed coup 'will complicate the West's relationship with Turkey.' Additionally, Turkey has banned university professors from leaving the country.