Turkish authorities have arrested 283 members of the presidential guard of Recep Tayyip Erdogan over alleged affiliation to the last week’s failed coup.

Security sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the suspects were part of the special forces regiment stationed at the presidential palace in capital, Ankara.

The sources added that the suspects will be taken to the Palace of Justice in Ankara after a police inquiry is conducted.

Meanwhile, an unnamed Turkish government official said 10,856 passports, including close to 10,000 green/grey ones, had been cancelled “due to flight risk,” either because the holders are in custody or on the run.

Green passport holders include civil servants as well as former legislators, who can travel to some countries visa-free. Grey passports are issued to those working on government business as well as members of sports delegations.

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim vowed on Friday to adopt more measures against potential “threats” in the face of the July 15 botched putsch.

Yildirim said the danger from the attempted coup remains, but the government is trying to keep it at bay. He also assured Turkish citizens that security and safety have been ensured across the country.

“Our priority is to ensure the peace and safety of people at all places, dismiss all their concerns and control state institutions thoroughly,” the premier pointed out.

Source: AFP