Fugitive Coup Attempt Major, Sought in Yellow Category, Captured in Ankara
Ankara, April 1, 2026 – Murat Kalaç, a former Gendarmerie Senior Major who had been on the run for 10 years and was sought in the yellow category of the Ministry of Interior’s wanted list for his active role in the July 15 coup attempt, was apprehended in Ankara thanks to the vigilance of police teams.
Kalaç, against whom the Ankara 23rd High Criminal Court had issued an arrest warrant for his involvement at the Gendarmerie General Command Headquarters during the coup attempt, was captured following an operation by counter-terrorism units.
Vigilance Leads to Capture
Police teams intensified their efforts after noticing suspicious activities at Kalaç’s hiding place, where he was reportedly seeking to undertake renovations and construct a secret compartment. This observation proved crucial in locating the long-sought fugitive.
The operation, conducted by Counter-Terrorism Branch teams, resulted in the successful apprehension of the FETÖ member who had been evading justice for a decade and was listed in the yellow category of wanted terrorists.
Background of the Coup Attempt
The July 15, 2016, coup attempt in Turkey was a failed attempt by a faction within the Turkish Armed Forces to overthrow the government. The attempt involved military units taking control of key locations in Ankara and Istanbul, including the Gendarmerie General Command Headquarters where Murat Kalaç was stationed. The government, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, quickly condemned the coup attempt, and it was ultimately suppressed by loyalist forces and widespread public resistance.
Following the failed coup, a massive crackdown was launched against alleged members of the Gülen movement (FETÖ), which the Turkish government accuses of orchestrating the coup. Thousands of military personnel, judges, teachers, and other public servants were arrested or dismissed from their positions. The Ministry of Interior maintains a categorized list of wanted terrorists, with the yellow category indicating individuals considered to be of medium importance or danger.
Implications of the Arrest
The capture of Murat Kalaç underscores the ongoing efforts by Turkish authorities to bring to justice those involved in the 2016 coup attempt. His apprehension, after such a long period of being at large, highlights the persistence of law enforcement in tracking down fugitives. This arrest is likely to be viewed as a significant success in the government’s campaign against FETÖ and its alleged members.
The details surrounding Kalaç’s attempts to create a secret compartment at his hiding place suggest a high level of determination to evade capture, further emphasizing the significance of the police’s vigilance in this case. The ongoing legal proceedings against individuals implicated in the coup attempt continue to be a prominent feature of Turkey’s domestic policy.
The Turkish government has consistently vowed to pursue all those involved in the coup attempt, both domestically and internationally. This latest arrest in Ankara serves as a reminder of that commitment and the continuous operations being conducted to fulfill it.
