According to reports from Turkey, following the purges related to the failed coup in that country, at least 87 personnel from the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) have been dismissed. This is the first time a report of the 'dismissal' of agents from one of Turkey's most important and powerful intelligence agencies has been published. According to the state news agency Anadolu, a total of 141 personnel from this organization had been suspended, of which 87 were 'dismissed'. Meanwhile, 52 of those dismissed are facing criminal charges. This situation seems to potentially become a pressure lever against Hakan Fidan, the head of Turkey's National Intelligence Organization, who has been in charge since 2010. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan previously stated that some within MIT assisted in the coup attempt in July. Additionally, two weeks after the coup, he called for the armed forces and the National Intelligence Organization to come under presidential control. Fidan briefly resigned from the presidency of MIT last winter to run for parliament from the Justice and Development Party but later withdrew and was re-elected as head of the National Intelligence Organization. There is a public perception that MIT is one of the most powerful intelligence and security organizations in Turkey. The Turkish government, led by Erdogan, has accused Fethullah Gülen, a U.S.-based cleric and Erdogan critic, of being involved in the coup. It is said that Gülen has influence in Turkey's executive, judicial, and military systems. He has denied any involvement in the coup. Since last July, thousands of military personnel, police, judges, and government employees in Turkey have been dismissed. Some of these individuals have been arrested, and charges have been filed against others. In this context, Erdogan stated at an anti-coup rally: 'If the people want, executions will return.' Erdogan also claimed that Gülen's supporters targeted the relations between Russia and Turkey.
Post-Coup Purges Reach Turkey's National Intelligence Organization
Following the failed coup in Turkey, 87 agents from the National Intelligence Organization have been dismissed, marking a significant development in the ongoing purges. President Erdogan has accused elements within the MIT of complicity in the coup and has called for increased presidential control over the military and intelligence. This situation raises concerns about the stability of Turkey's intelligence leadership and the implications for internal security.
👥 Key Players
⚡ Actions
📰 What Happened
Turkey dismissed 87 personnel from its National Intelligence Organization post-coup.
- Turkey's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) dismiss 87 personnel
- Turkey's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) suspend 141 personnel
- Turkish authorities face charges 52 dismissed personnel
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The dismissal of MIT personnel indicates deepening political purges in Turkey.
📝 Key Evidence
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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