国际英语新闻：Former air, navy commanders released after interrogation in Istanbul

ISTANBUL, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Former air force and navy commanders, who were detained for an alleged coup plot to topple the ruling government, were released after interrogation in Istanbul on Thursday.

The semi-official Anatolia news agency reported that Istanbul Public Prosecutor's office released retired air forces commander Halil Ibrahim Firtina and former naval forces commander Ozden Ornek after their interrogation within the scope of "Balyoz Plan" allegations.

Firtina and Ornek had been detained on Monday along with other 47 top military officers, who were charged with a coup plan named "Balyoz" in 2003 including acts like bombing mosques and even shooting down Turkey's own jets.

Ornek and Firtina, along with former 1st army commander General Ergin Saygun, are the highest-profile officers being investigated, and were sent to Istanbul's Besiktas courthouse for questioning by public prosecutors after three days detainment at the Istanbul Police directorate.

They were questioned until evening, and were then released. Currently, 20 of the 49 detained officers have been put under arrest.

According to an earlier report, eight more military officers, including 3 retired army members, were arrested under the coup plot investigation here early on Thursday.

The latest arrest brings the number of top military officers under custody to about 65.

Upon such ruling, the arrested officers were sent to prison.

However, neither the court nor the police made official report on the arrest and charges.

Daily News reported that the standoff between Turkey's government and military intensifies as high-level officials come together for a slew of unannounced meetings, including the top army brass.

Rumors are leaked they are considering resigning in protest of recent detentions of fellow soldiers. In response, the ruling party warns against interfering in ongoing judicial investigations.

The rift that emerged between Turkey's government and military after the latest detentions of military commanders has deepened to the point where the opposition believes an early election is needed to ease the mounting tension.