311 soldiers still at large after failed coup in Turkey

Turkey’s defence minister said Monday that 311 soldiers including nine generals are still at large after this month’s failed coup.

The Defence Minister Fikri Isik told CNN Turk television in an interview that the soldiers and generals were believed to still be in Turkey.

On Monday, Turkish Special Forces also captured 11 fugitive commandos who were involved in a bid to seize President Tayyip Erdogan during the failed coup.

Meanwhile, Isik said expulsions from the military are not entirely over and more personnel will be dismissed if necessary.

Thousands of soldiers were dismissed following the failed coup on July 15-16.

A faction of the military commandeered tanks, helicopters and fighter jets attempted to topple the government during the coup.

Meanwhile, the defence ministry has also changed the jobs of 167 generals within the army, Reuters reported on Monday.

The changes took place after Erdogan on Sunday issued a new presidential decree that introduced sweeping changes to Turkey’s military, bringing the armed forces further under civilian authority.

The decree, the third issued under a three-month state of emergency declared after the coup, gives the president and prime minister the authority to issue direct orders to the commanders of the army, air force and navy.

The decree, signed by Erdogan, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and Isik, said 94 generals in land forces, 22 admirals, 44 generals in the airforce and seven others have been reappointed.

The decree was published in the official government record of approved legislation, the Official Gazette.

(With Reuters)