We will never forget how the people stood against defeated coup: Turkish first lady

ANKARA

Türkiye's first lady on Friday vowed to "never forget" the valiant efforts of the Turkish people to thwart the defeated July 15, 2016 coup attempt, marking its sixth anniversary.

"The pathway of millions, girding their hearts as shields, crossed that night with tanks,” Emine Erdogan wrote on Twitter, referring to elements of the military infiltrated by coup plotters. “Each of our citizens, young and old alike, men and women, became symbols of a fully united resurrection.”

Commemorating those killed during the defeated coup attempt, Erdogan also conveyed gratitude to those injured that night.

She pledged to never forget the "nobility” of the people who beat back the putsch and to cherish their memory.

FETO and its US-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup, which left 251 people dead and 2,734 injured.

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

The attempt by FETO to overthrow the government began around 10 p.m. local time (1900GMT) on July 15, 2016, and was thwarted by 8 a.m. the next day.

Standing against the threat, the Turkish people courageously showed the world that they would not tolerate any attempt to thwart their will as expressed through their democratically elected government.