In the aftermath of the failed coup, Ankara has launched an unprecedented crackdown on those suspected of being involved. Over 13,000 people have been arrested, and tens of thousands more suspended from various government jobs.
On Tuesday, a group of 1,000 Turkish security service members attempted to track down 11 soldiers who were allegedly plotting to capture or kill President Erdogan on the night of the coup. Personnel searching on foot were backed by drones, helicopters, and even navy vessels.
The search took place in the hills surrounding Marmaris.
"It was an assassination attempt against Erdogan and this is being taken very seriously," an official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. "Searches are continuing in Marmaris and the surrounding areas with around 1,000 members of the security forces.
"Searches will continue uninterrupted until these people are found."
According to Hurriyet Daily News, seven soldiers thought to be responsible for the kidnap attempt have been captured.
Authorities seized weapons and ammunition in the surrounding countryside.
The Turkish government declared a state of emergency in the wake of the coup attempt, that saw more than 240 people killed and over 2,000 injured. President Erdogan is also said to be considering a reinstatement of the death penalty.
The coup attempt has been officially blamed on Fethullah Gulen, a religious and political figure who is a former ally of Erdogan, living in exile in the United States. While Ankara has requested his extradition, Washington has not complied.
"The evidence is crystal clear. We know the terrorist cult responsible for vicious attacks against us and the Turkish people," Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim claimed Tuesday.
"We are heartbroken at the way the US has treated this matter. We simply cannot understand why the US just can’t hand over this individual."
