Erdogan Threatens With 'Very Serious Steps' if US Delays Extradition of Gulen

Turkey could resort to serious measures if Washington delays the extradition of Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen, who is believed by Ankara to be the mastermind behind the failed coup attempt in the country, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday.

ANKARA (Sputnik) — Speaking at a ceremony for appointing judges and prosecutors in the Turkish capital, Erdogan said:

"The United States has been sheltering the leader of the terrorist organization. A very tricky game is underway, and we must be extremely careful. If the extradition of Gulen drags on, we can resort to very serious steps."

According to Erdogan, Gulen's supporters from the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization/Parallel State Structure (FETO), whom Ankara deems as terrorists, are using all the means and resources available to prevent the extradition of the cleric.

An attempted military coup took place in Turkey on July 15. It was suppressed the following day. Turkish authorities have accused Gulen of having incited the coup and have demanded his extradition from the United States.

Following the coup, thousands of people, mostly officials, legal and educational workers, were detained or dismissed over alleged ties to Gulen or his supporters' movement.