The Turkish Armed Forces is aware that it is facing an organized attack
by certain circles," Turkish Chief of Staff Gen. Yassar Buyukanit said.
"Such attacks are destined to fail. Undoubtedly, the TSK will take measures
to defend itself."
Police arrested at least two retired generals, Sener Eruygur, the former
commander of the Gendarmarie, and Hursit Tolon, the former commander of the
First Army. The association has been deemed a leading opponent of Erdogan
and helped organize massive anti-government secular protests in 2007.
"I think this was a step toward completion of the indictment," Erdogan
said. "It's a step taken upon a decision by prosecutors."
Turkish sources said the detainees were believed to be linked to a
Turkish nationalist underground group, Ergenekon. In January 2008, police
arrested the alleged founder of Ergenekon, retired Gen. Veli Kucuk.
Erdogan supporters charge that Ergenekon has been plotting to overthrow
the government in cooperation with elements in the military. The supporters
said Ergenekon has staged attacks in the name of Islamic insurgents in an
attempt to spark a secular backlash in Turkey.
The sources said the Interior Ministry has deemed Ergenekon a leading
threat in Turkey. They said the ministry crackdown was linked to
deliberations by the Constitutional Court to ban Erdogan's Justice and
Development Party, known by its Turkish acronym, AKP, on grounds that it
threatens Turkish secularism. A court decision was expected by the end of
August 2008.
"The AKP wants to establish a Sharia order, and there is an open and
imminent threat on this issue," Turkish chief prosecutor Abdul Rahman
Yalcinkaya said.
