ISTANBUL, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Turkish authorities on Monday detained 71 suspects, including public officials, in nationwide operations targeting the network behind the 2016 failed coup attempt, officials said.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced on the social media platform X that evidence against the suspects included alleged membership of the Gulen movement, past employment at organization-linked companies, use of its covert communication methods, and roles as high-ranking officials within the police who secretly carried out the group's activities.

According to the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, detention orders were issued for 80 suspects, after which police units launched the operation covering 27 provinces. So far, 71 suspects have been detained, one remains at large in Türkiye, while eight others are believed to be abroad, and efforts to apprehend them are ongoing.

The Gulen movement, led by Turkish preacher Fethullah Gulen, who lived in the United States until his death in 2024, is accused by the Turkish government of orchestrating the 2016 coup attempt, which left more than 250 people dead and thousands of others injured. Authorities say operations against the network continue as part of efforts to dismantle its remaining structures. Enditem