ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkey's state-run news agency says officials have made a formal request to Greece for the extradition of eight Turkish officers who fled to the neighboring country after last month's attempted coup.

Anadolu Agency said Tuesday a Justice Ministry file for the officers' return has been delivered to Greece.

The six pilots and two engineers fled to Greece in a military helicopter, and Turkey wants them returned to stand trial for participating in the attempt.

The eight deny involvement and have applied for asylum, saying they fear for their safety amid widespread purges in the aftermath of the attempted overthrow of the government.