Turkey Intensifies Crackdown on Fethullah Gulen Followers, Sparks International Tensions

Turkey has escalated its crackdown on followers of the US-based Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen, a move that has heightened tensions both domestically and internationally. On October 20, 2024, it was reported that 1,389 members of the Turkish armed forces were discharged due to suspected links to Gulen, whom Ankara blames for the failed 2016 military coup attempt against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The recent dismissals are part of a broader campaign by the Turkish government to purge its institutions of individuals associated with the Gulen movement. This crackdown has also extended to other sectors, including the arrest of an American consulate employee in Istanbul. The employee was detained on allegations of links to Gulen, prompting a strong response from the US, which condemned the arrest as unjustified.

President Erdogan has been vocal about his grievances against Gulen and the US, particularly over what he perceives as American support for the cleric. Erdogan’s frustration was further exacerbated by a recent US warrant issued for his bodyguards, which he sees as another example of US hostility towards him.

The ongoing tensions between Turkey and the US over Gulen have significant implications for bilateral relations and regional stability. The situation is being closely monitored by international observers, who are concerned about the human rights implications of Turkey’s widespread purges and the potential for further escalation.