Military attaché Ahsen Süren attempted to take control of the Turkish embassy in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad during Turkey’s July 15 coup attempt perpetrated by FETÖ
Within the scope of the investigation carried out by the Ankara Public Prosecutor's Office targeting the structure of the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ) abroad, a case was filed against former Staff Colonel Ahsen Süren, who was an Islamabad Land Attaché during the July 15 coup attempt.
Süren’s indictment asked for an aggravated life sentence and up to 10 years imprisonment for his "attempt to disrupt the constitutional order and being a member of an armed terrorist organization."
According to the indictment prepared by the Ankara Prosecutor Mustafa Gökçe, Major Ahmet Yıldız, who was the private secretariat of the Chief of Staff of General Staff at the time, told Süren on Jul. 16 at 01:44 a.m. to "announce to all Pakistani authorities that the TAF [Turkish Armed Forces] has seized the government."
Following this, Süren notified the Colonel Numan Kayani, who was on duty at the Pakistan General Staff Headquarters, that the TAF was in control of Turkey’s government via Whatsapp.
Witnesses said that Süren seemed happy and confident during his statement and that he said “The Armed Forces have authority in accordance with the constitution. They’re using that authority now. I was sent a message, and told that there was a coup. I was told that I was to become a law enforcement officer and that I would take over the office of the embassy in the morning.”
When told that soldiers had killed civilians and police, Süren said, “They were the people who resisted the soldiers. If the police use guns, then, it is natural for our soldiers to use them too.”
Süren, who started his duty as an Islamabad Land Attache on Aug. 7 2014, was found to have strong ties to Brigadier General Unsal Coşkun, who was very active in the coup attempt.
In 2012, Coşkun wrote the following about Süren: “He has good social skills and apt communication skills. He is tightlipped, open-minded, and has an exemplary personality. He is attached to the armed forces and can be employed in any kind of critical task.”
Coşkun, who was dismissed from the TAF, is still in custody. Major General Oğuz Serhad Habiboğlu, who was also dismissed from the TAF after the coup attempt, also has close ties to Süren.
In the indictment, it is stated that Süren’s name was on a CD found in Cemil Turhan’s computer on the “Presidential Aide Candidate List.” Cemil Turhan was heavily involved in the coup attempt.
Cengiz Güneş, who was a witness, said in his statement that he tried to persuade Süren by saying FETÖ was behind the coup attempt, and that Süren was not in charge unless stipulated by the headquarters or the ambassador.
"Two days after the coup attempt, Süren came to the security office. He said that the coup commanders were being dismissed, and that those in lower ranks would quickly be promoted. He believed he would be promoted to a General,” said Güneş.
