The Turkish interior minister blamed the United States for being behind the failed 2016 coup.

Over 250 people were killed while trying to overthrow President Tayyip Erdogan and his government on July 15, 2016. Ankara has long accused preacher Fetullah Gulen, a former Pennsylvania ally of Erdogan, of organizing the coup attempt. Gulen denies any involvement.

Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu told Hurriyet that the United States attempted a coup while Gulen's network carried it out, adding that Europe was delighted with it. It is clear that the US is behind July 15, he said.

Washington has denied any involvement. He has repeatedly rejected Turkey's requests for Gulen's extradition, citing the lack of reliable evidence from Ankara.

In the aftermath of the failed coup, the Turkish authorities arrested nearly 292,000 people on suspicion of having ties to Gulen and dismissed over 150,000 civil servants. Hundreds of media outlets were shut down and dozens of opposition MPs were jailed.