Turkish Prime Minister: Presidential Guard to Be Dissolved

The Prime Minister of Turkey has stated that officials in the country intend to dissolve the Presidential Guard in response to last week's coup attempt. According to AFP, Binali Yildirim stated on August 2, "We have made our decision. There is no need for the Presidential Guard. There is no reason for it to continue. The Presidential Guard will be dissolved." Yildirim mentioned that members of the Presidential Guard were among those who entered the TRT network during the failed coup, forcing the presenter to read a statement regarding the coup to the audience. The Presidential Guard consists of about 2,500 personnel, with reports indicating that nearly 300 of them are currently in detention. Continuing arrests; detention of a family member and 'assistant' of Gulen. Turkish security forces have also arrested a family member of Fethullah Gulen. Reports also indicate the detention of a 'senior assistant' of this critic of Erdogan's government. Fethullah Gulen, currently residing in the United States, is considered one of the most significant and influential critics of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Following the failure of last week's coup in Turkey, Ankara has pointed fingers at Gulen and his associated movement, the 'Hizmet' movement. Gulen, a preacher and cleric residing in Pennsylvania, has emphatically denied the accusations. The Turkish government has also listed the Hizmet movement among its 'terrorist groups.' On August 2, while reports emerged of Erdogan's order to close more than 2,300 civil and educational institutions in Turkey, security forces arrested a close family member of Gulen for the first time; Mohammad Said Gulen, a nephew of the critic of the Turkish government, was arrested in Erzurum, but police stated he was transferred to Ankara. Erzurum is said to be one of the main centers of gathering and residence for Gulen's supporters. Turkish security forces arrested Mohammad Said Gulen 'in connection with the failed coup.' The Turkish news agency Anadolu also reported that he was being pursued for leaking questions from state exams. AFP reports that in May, prior to the failed coup, another nephew of Gulen was arrested due to his connection with an educational institution linked to 'Hizmet.' Additionally, reports have emerged of the arrest of Halil Hanci, whom Turkish officials describe as Gulen's 'right-hand man.' Hanci was arrested in the city of Trabzon, located on the Black Sea coast. Turkish officials say it appears he entered the country 'two days before the coup.' Turkish security forces have confirmed reports published by Anadolu News Agency regarding the arrest of Hakan Arakos, the son-in-law of Akin Ozturk, the former commander of the Turkish Air Force. On August 2, it was reported that by Erdogan's order, 1,043 private schools, 1,229 charitable foundations, 19 trade unions, 15 universities, and 35 medical institutions in Turkey would be closed. All these institutions have been accused by Erdogan's government of having connections with Fethullah Gulen. Turkey has declared a three-month state of emergency. The West and Ankara's allies have expressed their concerns about the reactions to the failed coup. Human rights organizations have also strongly criticized the ongoing actions in the country. On the other hand, the Turkish government claims it is in a battle against a 'terrorist' movement and will continue its 'cleansings' until it is eradicated.