Erdogan arrests about 200 people in Turkey for suspected links to Gulen

Tens of thousands of people have been arrested in Turkey, against the US-based Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen's movement since the coup effort in 2016.

Ankara says the attempt to oust the president, Reccep Tayip Erdogan, was ordered by Gulen, but he strongly denies the charge.

Turkey's almost daily basis issues arrest warrants despite criticism by Western allies and human rights advocates.

Izmir's chief prosecutor issued 304 arrest warrants, including 295 against active military personnel, Anadolu reported.

While Ankara's chief public prosecutor's office said on Tuesday it issued 47 arrest orders as part of two separate investigations.

Government critics say Ankara is hitting dissidents, but Turkish officials argue the raids are necessary to remove Gulen's influence on state bodies.

More than 100,000 public sector employees have been dismissed or suspended from work for alleged links to Gulen since July 2016.