Turkey fires 1,700 officers, closes dozens of media groups

July 27, 2016 at 2:16 p.m.

by The Associated Press

A Turkish military officer is transferred to a court hall in the city of Alexandroupolis, northern Greece, Thursday, July 21, 2016. Eight Turkish military personnel who fled to Greece a board a helicopter during an attempted coup in their country are testifying in court during their trial on charges of entering Greece illegally. Turkey is seeking their return to stand trial for participation in Friday’s coup attempt. The eight deny any involvement and have applied for asylum, saying they fear for their lives if returned. (Antonis Pasvantis/InTime News via AP)
A Turkish military officer is transferred to a court hall in the city of Alexandroupolis, northern Greece, Thursday, July 21, 2016. Eight Turkish military personnel who fled to Greece a board a helicopter during an attempted coup in their country are testifying in court during their trial on charges of entering Greece illegally. Turkey is seeking their return to stand trial for participation in Friday’s coup attempt. The eight deny any involvement and have applied for asylum, saying they fear for their lives if returned. (Antonis Pasvantis/InTime News via AP)

ISTANBU — Turkey's state run news agency says close to 1,700 officers have been formally discharged from the military after the country's failed coup.

Anadolu Agency also said the government has decided to close down dozens of media organizations, including 45 newspapers and 16 television stations.

The government said a U.S.-based Muslim cleric is behind the failed uprising by a faction within the military that led to some 290 deaths July 15. Thousands have been detained for suspected links to the coup. Tens of thousands have also been purged from state institutions.

Read Thursday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.

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