The Turkish Embassy in the United States has hosted a commemoration ceremony to mark the tenth anniversary of the defeated 2016 coup attempt in Türkiye, where millions of citizens took to the streets unarmed to resist the violent takeover orchestrated by the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO).
Wednesday's ceremony started with a moment of silence and the Turkish national anthem, followed by a Quran recitation in honour of the victim of the coup bid.
"Almost 10 years ago today, the treacherous terrorist organisation, FETO, tried to topple the elected government," said Turkish Ambassador to the US Sedat Onal, adding Türkiye has since then made "substantial progress" in terms of diminishing and dismantling the terror organisation.
He said that "unfortunately," FETO is still present in America and across the world, "but our fight, and our resolve to fight them, continues."
Hulusi Akar, chairman of the Turkish Parliament's National Defense Committee, who is in Washington for talks, said the day is important to remember the heroes.
"The Turkish nation defeated not only the coup attempt but also terrorism," said Akar, who stressed that Ankara's objective is a "terror-free Türkiye."
Oussama Jammal, secretary-general of the US Council of Muslim Organizations, said he is "deeply honoured" to stand with the Turkish people.
US-Türkiye ties
In a video message to the event, congressman Joe Wilson said the day honours the "courage and resilience" of those who stood in the defence of their nation's democratic institutions.
Wilson, who is co-chairman of the Congressional Caucus on US-Türkiye relations and Turkish-Americans, said the US and Türkiye share a "longstanding partnership" built on common security interests and decades of cooperation.
"US-Türkiye relations have a bright future. I look forward to continuing our work together to deepen the partnership and wish the people of Türkiye peace, prosperity, and a bright future," he added.
Congressman Pete Sessions marked the anniversary with a video message.
FETO and its deceased US-based ring-leader and instigator, Fetullah Gulen, orchestrated a defeated coup on July 15, 2016, in which 253 people were killed and 2,734 wounded.
Ankara 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.
Gulen died on October 20, 2024, in the US state of Pennsylvania.
His death was officially confirmed through a document conveyed to Turkish authorities by the US State Department.
