Turkish crackdown nets top generals in NATO's Afghan force
Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
Publication Date | 26 July 2016 |
Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Turkish crackdown nets top generals in NATO's Afghan force, 26 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57a43cc1b.html [accessed 9 October 2022] |
Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
July 26, 2016
Turkey on July 26 widened its crackdown after a failed coup by detaining the top Turkish military generals that are serving as part of NATO forces in Afghanistan.
Turkish media reports said Major General Mehmet Cahit Bakir and Brigadier General Sener Topuc were detained by authorities at Dubai International Airport in the United Arab Emirates on suspicion of having links to the July 15 attempted coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Bakir is the commander of Turkey's task force in Afghanistan.
Topuc is the chief of the Appointment Department for Turkish Land Forces.
Turkey's state-run Anadolu news agency said their detentions were the result of cooperation between Turkish intelligence and U.A.E. authorities.
Anadolu said the two were being transported to Turkey on July 26.
A spokesman for NATO forces in Afghanistan said on July 26 that "the Turkish contingent continues its mission," without further comment.
Based on reporting by AFP and Anadolu
Link to original story on RFE/RL website