Two Turkish generals detained in Dubai after failed coup

Two Turkish generals based in Afghanistan have been detained by authorities in Dubai following the failed coup in Turkey, CNN Turk television reported on Tuesday, citing diplomatic sources.

It identified the men as Major General Cahit Bakir, a commander of Turkish forces serving in the international NATO-led security force in Afghanistan, and Brigadier Sener Topuc, who oversees education and aid in the war-torn country.

At least 246 people were killed on the night of July 15, when a faction within the army used fighter jets, helicopters and tanks to try to seize airports and attacked buildings, including parliament, in a bid to overthrow the government.

In response, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government has purged state institutions – including the military, police, ministries, universities, schools, business and media outlets – of those suspected of involvement with the failed coup.

The generals were extradited to Turkey on Tuesday morning, CNN Turk said.

‘Gulenist sympathizers’

Dozens of Turkish diplomats were dismissed by Turkey’s foreign ministry early on Tuesday following the failed coup attempt earlier this month.

Those who were dismissed were suspected of being “Gulenist sympathizers,” Turkish daily Hurriyet reported.

Gulenists are those who follow the Gulen movement, a social movement led by Turkish Islamic theologian and preacher Fethullah Gulen who now lives in the US.

Gurcan Balik, chief advisor to former foreign minister Ahmet Davutoglu, and former ambassador to Canada Tuncay Babali were among those who were dismissed.

However, the Gulen’s movement - and the cleric himself - has denied any involvement in the Turkish military coup attempt.

The Alliance for Shared Values says “we condemn any military intervention in (the) domestic politics of Turkey.”

President Erdogan has launched a broad campaign against Gulen’s movement in Turkey and abroad.

Ankara has charged Gulen with plotting to overthrow the government. He was placed on trial in absentia in Turkey earlier this year.

(With Reuters and AP)