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Turkish president marks 3rd anniversary of coup attempt

16 July 2019 02:27 (UTC +04:00)

To network of traitors or terrorist organizations can disrupt the unity, solidarity and brotherhood in Turkey, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday on the third anniversary of the July 15 failed coup attempt, ONA reports quoting Anadolu Agency.

Addressing the public at Istanbul Ataturk Airport, Erdogan said Turkey would never be occupied by those who sold their souls to the devil.

"On the night of July 15, they wanted to bury Turkey into darkness but failed, Allah ruined their traps," Erdogan said.

"I salute every member of our heroic nation, who stood against planes, tanks, bullets to protect the independence of our nation and the future of our country on July 15," he said.

In his speech, Erdogan applauded the soldiers and staff of the Turkish Armed Forces.

"I would like to express my gratitude on behalf of myself and my nation to our media, non-governmental organizations and intellectuals for setting an example to the world," Erdogan said.

Turkey marks July 15, 2016 as Democracy and National Unity Day. The day is commemorated with events honoring those who lost their lives beating back the putschists and in remembrance of the the bravery of the nation.

The Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Ankara accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the legitimate state apparatus, through infiltrations into Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.