Turkish Embassy in Washington commemorates 10th anniversary of 2016 coup bid by FETO operatives

The Turkish Embassy in the United States has hosted a commemoration ceremony to mark the tenth anniversary of the defeated 2016 coup attempt in Türkiye, where millions of citizens took to the streets unarmed to resist the violent takeover orchestrated by the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO).

Wednesday’s ceremony started with a moment of silence and the Turkish national anthem, followed by a Quran recitation in honour of the victim of the coup bid.

“Almost 10 years ago today, the treacherous terrorist organisation, FETO, tried to topple the elected government,” said Turkish Ambassador to the US Sedat Onal, adding Türkiye has since then made “substantial progress” in terms of diminishing and dismantling the terror organisation.

He said that “unfortunately,” FETO is still present in America and across the world, “but our fight, and our resolve to fight them, continues.”

Hulusi Akar, chairman of the Turkish Parliament’s National Defense Committee, who is in Washington for talks, said the day is important to remember the heroes.

“The Turkish nation defeated not only the coup attempt but also terrorism,” said Akar, who stressed that Ankara’s objective is a “terror-free Türkiye.”

Oussama Jammal, secretary-general of the US Council of Muslim Organizations, said he is “deeply honoured” to stand with the Turkish people.

US-Türkiye ties