Turkish court arrests 17 soldiers who stopped Syria-bound intelligence trucks

A Turkish court has arrested 17 active soldiers who stopped Syria-bound trucks belonging to the National Intelligence Organization (MİT), according to Hurriyet Daily News.

Istanbul Criminal Court of Peace took testimony from 32 suspects early April 10, with a judge ordering the arrest of 17 of 32 soldiers on charges of being a member of a terrorist organization and attempting to abolish Turkish government or to prevent it from performing its activities.

The court released five of the soldiers, while placing 10 others on probation.

An Istanbul prosecutor ordered the detention of 34 soldiers on April 5 on charges of being a member of a terror organization and attempting to topple the Turkish Republic’s government or prevent it from performing its duties.

Two of the soldiers, however, were released during initial questioning by a prosecutor.

An operation was launched in eight provinces, including Istanbul, Hatay and Adana, for the detention of the military personnel after a court had ordered their arrest.