Army men participated in Turkey coup fled to Syria

Several army personnel, who toke part in the July 2016 military coup attempt in Turkey, are currently taking part in the military operations in Syria, Milliyet daily of Turkey reported Tuesday.
These army personnel have become known during the trial into this coup attempt, said the newspaper, adding that “a shocking fact has became known during the coup attempt trial at an Istanbul court on serious crimes.”
Most of the defendants that were released on signature bond in this 62-defendant trial did not attend the court session. 
The respective court statement noted that some of the defendants could not be notified about appearing in court because they are in Syria, within the framework of Operation Euphrates Shield.
Under the name Operation Euphrates Shield, Turkish armed forces invaded Syria several months ago.
A total of 62 Turkish officers and soldiers have been referred to trial in Istanbul on charges of their alleged role in the failed military coup that took place last July, the Associated Press reported Monday.
The28 officers and 34 privates are accused of crimes against the state and, if convicted, they will face life terms in prison.
They allegedly seized control of Istanbul's Sabiha Gokcen Airport on the night of the attempt.
Some of the defendants have denied the charges insisting they were led to believe they were taking part in a drill.
Turkey blames the coup on the U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen and is engaged in a massive purge of his followers from government jobs. Gulen denies any involvement.
Monday's trial is the first in Istanbul for military officers. Twenty-nine police are already on trial for allegedly failing to protect the president.
The Turkish General Staff announced on July 27 that a total of 8,651 soldiers took part in the failed coup attempt of July 15, making up 1.5 percent of the military’s total personnel.