Three top commanders held hostage saved: Defense minister

ANKARA

Three top commaders who were held hostage by the Gülenist coup attempters were saved on July 16, Defense Minister Fikri Işık has announced.

"Our commander of air staff, naval staff and the second chief of general staff were saved from the Akıncı Base where they were held and are in good condition," Işık told reporters in the capital Ankara.

Işık also noted that it was early to say that the coup danger was completely over, while urging caution.

Meanwhile, the commander of gendarmerie forces Gen. Galip Mendi was also saved later.

In addition, a total of 72 coup plotters were detained during special forces' operation at the Akıncılar Base in the capital Ankara.