A total of 20,088 people, including soldiers and military students, have been dismissed from the army in line with the ongoing investigation into the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETÖ), Defense Minister Fikri Işık has stated.

“Up until today, 3,665 personnel have been dismissed from the Turkish Armed Forces on the grounds of affiliation to the FETÖ terrorist organization. Added to the 16,423 military students [who have are also been dismissed], 20,088 people in total have been discharged from the Turkish Armed Forces,” Işık said on Nov. 17 in a speech during budget talks at parliament.

He also added that 2,855 personnel are currently under investigation. “In addition, 2,855 personnel are currently under active investigation” Işık said.

Işık also vowed that the three-decade-long struggle against the PKK will “continue with determination.” “We recently made this terror organization suffer more losses than it has faced for 35 years during this struggle. Turkey has become a leader in counter-terrorism efforts. We are determined to continue our struggle against terror” he said.