Turkey arrests over 300 soldiers for links with US-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen

Prosecutors in Turkey have issued detention orders to over 300 soldiers suspected of having associations to US-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, who was responsible for last year's attempted coup, media reports said.

According to reports, the suspects included 333 soldiers and 27 civilians - also termed as "secret-imams". Out of the total accused, seven military members sought were pilots.

It was also reported that two soldiers were detained in Zonguldak and will be taken to Istanbul, where the inquiry will be carried out.

Turkey blamed Gulen behind the July 15, 2016, failed overthrow of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Gulen had reportedly denied the claims.

Since last July, over 50,000 people have been arrested in a crackdown on the movement which Turkey has dubbed the “Fethullah Terrorist Organization” (FETO).

Gulen, living in self-imposed exile in the US state of Pennsylvania since 1999, insists his group is peaceful and has no links to terror.

Almost everyday, the authorities announce detentions of alleged Gulenists, over 16 months after the coup, media reports say.