Tensions between the US and Turkey hit a post-coup high yesterday over a Pennsylvania-based cleric Ankara accuses of masterminding the failed putsch, as a crackdown on alleged sympathisers tore through the nation.
Turkey said it had sent the US four dossiers on the alleged activities of Fethullah Gulen, following up on a demand for his immediate return that threatens to derail relations between the Nato allies.
In an unexpected twist, Turkish officials blamed Mr Gulen’s followers for shooting down a Russian Su-24 in November. That brought Russian President Vladimir Putin’s wrath on Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Turkey’s economy, with travel bans for tourists and curbs on Turkish exports.